Mars Astronauts May Soon Have Access to 3D Printed Skin and Bones

What could be more frightening than suffering a serious injury, such as a severe burn or broken bone while in outer space, hundreds of thousands of miles away from any hospital? For most astronauts, probably not very much, but it is a reality that they must plan for. Although astronauts are well trained and cautious to avoid this dire circumstance, it will always be a major concern when exploring space.

However, The European Space Agency is attempting to minimize the concern with a project designed to 3D print human tissue in space. The project is appropriately called, 3D Printing of Living Tissue for Space Exploration.

Recently in Germany, scientists from the University Hospital of Dresden Technical University ran tests bio-printing human skin and bone while upside down in order to confirm whether or not the technique could be applied in a low-gravity atmosphere. The test yielded satisfactory results. 

The sample was printed with the use of human stem cells as "bio-ink." The researchers incorporated plant and algae-based materials to extend the viscidness and make sure it would not simply "fly all over the place" in an atmosphere such as Mars'.

"Producing the bone sample involved printing human stem cells with a similar bio-ink composition, with the addition of a calcium phosphate bone cement as a structure-supporting material, which is subsequently absorbed during the growth phase," said Nieves Cubo, a bioprinting specialist at the university.

While the project is still in its infancy, these samples may one day provide astronauts with the ability to treat serious injuries on long spaceflights that could otherwise jeopardize the mission.

"Carrying enough medical supplies for all potential eventualities would be impossible in the limited space and mass of a spacecraft," said Tommaso Ghidini, head of ESA's Structures, Mechanisms and Materials Division. "Instead, a 3D bioprinting capability will let them respond to medical emergencies as they arise."

It was also stated that the raw materials for the 3D printing would come from the astronauts' bodies. This method is to minimize the likelihood of transplant rejection.

ESA is hoping to further adapt 3D printing in space with focus towards human organs. Just recently scientists hit a monumental milestone with the successful printing of a miniature human heart from human cells and a lung air sac.