The 3D bioprinting process in the Bioprint FirstAid Handheld Bioprinter (Bioprint FirstAid) enables the rapid use of formerly prepared bio-inks, containing the patient’s own cells, to form a band-aid patch in the case of injury. The printing process requires 10 minutes to obtain an appropriate crosslinking of the Biopolymer and Crosslinker. In the future, the combination of cells, or tissue-specific biomaterials, with different cell types and high-resolution 3D bioprinting can enable scientists to develop new tissue and organ modelling techniques to better understand the biophysical mechanisms of tissue generation, regeneration, and longevity.

a handy 3D bioprinter for bioprinting skin cells has been developed. The aim of the portable bioprinter is to cover a wound area on the skin by applying a tissue-forming bio-ink (bio-ink with skin cells) that acts like a patch and accelerates the healing process. The main emphasis is on adapting the Bioprint FirstAid Handheld Bioprinter (Bioprint FirstAid) device for easy application in missions in extreme habitats on Earth and in space.

The Bioprint FirstAid prototype is dedicated as “Research Only” and contains no cells. The prototype is a robust, purely mechanical (no battery required) handheld bioprinter consisting of a dosing device in the handle, a print head, support wheels, and an ink cartridge. The cartridge contains a substitution (in total two different substitutions, both without skin cells) and a crosslinker, which serves as a stabilizing matrix. For demonstration, the simulant is applied to the arm/leg of a crew member wrapped in foil, or alternatively at any other surface wrapped in foil. In addition, the approach is tested with human cells for comparison on Earth. The distribution pattern of the printed samples on Earth, compared to the printed sampled in space, is an important value for research. Therefore the goal of this project is to test the print technology, and to assess its applicability under space conditions for future missions and for application on Earth.

(Bioprint Handheld Bioprinter)

Fans of Philip K. Dick recall the art-derm sprayer described in Dr. Futurity (1960):

Over her lacerated right shoulder he sprayed art-derm; it sealed off the open wound, halted bleeding, and prohibited infection. The most serious damage was to her windpipe. He turned the little art-derm nozzle on an exposed section of rib, wondering what the shupos had that worked so well.