Space-based Biomanufacturing Facility for Vascular Grafts, Tissues and Organs

Techshot is proposing an ISS biomanufacturing technology demonstration flight within an 18 month time period to demonstrate the unique advantage of microgravity on bioprinting. On June 14, 2016 Techshot printed the first neonatal heart ventricle in zero gravity using adult human stem cells aboard a parabolic flight aircraft. For this first technology demonstration flight aboard the ISS, we are proposing to print structural cardiac tissues. The muscle tissue that will be developed could be placed within the damaged cardiac tissue and be inosculated into the coronary blood flow through the inclusion of Techshot’s electrospun tissue engineered vascular grafts within the printed tissue. This printed tissue could regain muscular tone and be the precursor for future microgravity whole organ investigations. Bringing a 3D bioprinting capability to the ISS will lead to significant commercial advancements in the healthcare industry, while helping mankind explore beyond low Earth orbit.

This is a mature technology (TRL 7) — the realistic path in is usually NASA's Technology Transfer Program: licensing an existing NASA patent, or a Space Act Agreement to use NASA facilities/expertise directly. NASA also runs a startup licensing program with no upfront fee for companies formed to commercialize a specific NASA technology.

None of these are guaranteed paths for this specific project — TechPort itself doesn't have an "apply" button. Reaching out to the contact(s) above with a specific question is usually the fastest way to find out what's actually open.