nScrypt bioprinter allows military personnel to 3D print medical products in remote areas

In the past few decades when most of us did not know the existence of 3D Printing technology, the military has been advancing the 3D printing process. Now, the 4D Bio3 program (supporting the US military) of the Geneva Foundation and the Uniform Service University (USU) has completed a pilot project around tissue engineering aimed at the harsh military environment.

Thegoal of bio-printing bandages is to manufacture medical products and to further study the next generation of treatment methods for warriors engaged in field operations. Although it has shown that so many advantages of 3D printing can already be used in the military-from on-site weapon maintenance to uniforms and even food, the replacement of organizations in remote areas is a new concept-but one of the most important ones is definitely for injuries. Provide immediate care to the person or patient.

These types of next-generation treatment methods mean that patient care can be provided on demand, away from any hospital or medical center. The new program funded by the federal government’s 4-dimensional bio-printing, bio-manufacturing and bio-manufacturing (4D Bio3) encourage further development:

• 1, advanced bio-print
• 2, biomanufacturing
• 3, bio-manufacturing technology priority of the Department of Defense research

project by the US military LTC Jason Barnhill from the College of Chemistry and Life Sciences at West Point. Currently, 4D Bio3 manages a number of tasks, including 3D printing exercises in the desert, showing the potential for 3D printing and patient-oriented care in external areas and remote areas. The trial included a collaboration between nScrypt and RoosterBio, Inc., which used the Austere BioAssembly Tool (ABAT), a lightweight and robust bioprinter made by nScrypt, inspired by the work of 3D printing on the International Space Station .

The ABAT biological 3D printing system provides:

1. A variety of materials, including polymers

2. Electrical components

3. Biological agents. So far, the following items have been created in the program:

• 1. 3D printed scalpel handles and hemostatic forceps-these tools are printed within 1.5 hours and can be disinfected on site to avoid infection of soldiers and other military personnel who may be injured and need to be treated on site.
• 2. 3D printed bioactive bandages – involving the manufacture of a hydrogel layer prepared with antibiotics, again to avoid infection and protect wounds.
• 3. 3D printing of T9 vertebrae surgery model-serving as a model to help doctors diagnose and treat musculoskeletal injuries.

All projects are led by LTC Jason Barnhill, Department of Chemistry and Life Sciences, West Point, U.S. Military Academy. The 3D printer and a large number of consumables and raw materials were brought to the remote environment for research along with RoosterBio Ready to Print (RTP) human mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (hMSCs). The manufacturing units were created to “simplify and standardize” some of the most difficult and time-consuming elements of 3D printing (especially bioprinting). According to China 3D Printing Network, “This technology can be used for strict printing in resource-limited environments because they are the only units withbioprinting functions.” [From left to right: Joel Gaston (4D Bio3) , Geneva), John Gates (RoosterBio, Inc), Jack Barnhill (U.S. Military Academy) LTC, Vincent B. Ho (Director of 4D Bio3, American University), Ken Church (nScrypt), Kelli Blaize-Wise (4D Bio3, Geneva), Linzie Wagner (4D Bio3, Geneva)]