Ocean TuniCell has together with CELLHEAL AS been funded by the Norwegian Space Agency to develop a bioprinted vascularized tissue model to study and find treatments for multiple disease conditions in space.

Tissue engineering and regenerative medicine are of crucial importance for Space Exploration to treat diseases and potential injuries on Lunar stations and during long space journeys. 3D Bioprinting is an emerging technology which enables production of tissues and organs with multiple cell types. The 3D printed tissue can be used to replace damaged organs and study treatments of diseases. Both ESA and NASA are interested in bringing bioprinting to Space.

The major project goal is to develop bioprinting technology for perfusable vascularized tissue/organ models to be used in Space. TUNICELL will develop tunicate derived hydrogels for this platform model. Dr Paul Gatenholm from CELLHEAL who is coordinating the project says: “We are glad that we received this seed funding to demonstrate bioprinting of perfusable vascularized tissue/organ models in Space. The next target will be a larger program with clinicians to translate technology to Space flight and ISIS station”

The project partners, CELLHEAL AS, Ocean TuniCell AS, Yuri GmbH, and Florida Institute of Technology, will develop this new platform to bring bioprinting of living tissue to Space. For these partners, the sky is not the limit. We are aiming further! Follow us to learn when TUNICELL is sent to space.