In September 2023, Redwire Corporation achieved a significant milestone in space-based biomedical research by successfully 3D bioprinting the first human knee meniscus aboard the International Space Station (ISS). This accomplishment marks a pivotal advancement in regenerative medicine and demonstrates the potential of in-space manufacturing to address complex health challenges on Earth.

The BioFabrication Facility (BFF) on the ISS

The BioFabrication Facility (BFF) is a state-of-the-art 3D bioprinter developed by Redwire to operate in the microgravity environment of the ISS. Capable of printing human tissue using bioinks mixed with living cells, the BFF represents a significant leap forward in tissue engineering. The facility comprises a Z-tower with multiple print heads and a bioreactor on the X-Y print stage, enabling the creation of complex tissue structures. Once printed, cells are conditioned and matured into tissue within Redwire's Advanced Space Experiment Processor (ADSEP). The ultimate goal of the BFF is to manufacture whole human organs and cultured meat products, potentially revolutionizing regenerative medicine and food production. ([issnationallab.org](

The BFF-Meniscus-2 Investigation

The successful printing of the human knee meniscus was part of the BFF-Meniscus-2 Investigation, a collaborative effort between Redwire and the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences Center for Biotechnology (4D Bio³). This biomedical research center focuses on adapting promising biotechnologies for the benefit of military personnel. The investigation aimed to explore the feasibility of printing complex human tissues in space, with the knee meniscus chosen due to its prevalence in injuries among U.S. service members. The experiment was conducted by NASA astronauts Frank Rubio, Warren "Woody" Hoburg, Stephen Bowen, and UAE astronaut Sultan Al Neyadi. ([rdw.com](

In July 2023, the BFF successfully printed the human knee meniscus aboard the ISS. After the printing process, the tissue was cultured for 14 days in the microgravity environment using Redwire's Advanced Space Experiment Processor (ADSEP). This extended culturing period was essential for allowing the cells to mature and form the complex structures characteristic of a functional meniscus. The unique conditions of microgravity are believed to influence cell behavior and tissue development, potentially leading to more effective tissue engineering outcomes. ([rdw.com](

Following the culturing period, the printed meniscus was returned to Earth aboard SpaceX's Crew-6 mission for analysis. The successful completion of this experiment opens the door to improved treatments for meniscal injuries, which are among the most common injuries for U.S. service members. Demonstrating the ability to successfully print complex tissue such as the meniscus is a major leap forward toward the development of a repeatable microgravity manufacturing process for reliable bioprinting at scale. This achievement not only has significant implications for human health but also paves the way for advanced in-space bioprinting capabilities that could benefit various aspects of medicine and biotechnology. ([rdw.com](

The successful 3D bioprinting of a human knee meniscus aboard the ISS represents a groundbreaking achievement in the field of regenerative medicine and space-based manufacturing. By leveraging the unique conditions of microgravity, Redwire's BioFabrication Facility has demonstrated the potential for in-space bioprinting to produce complex human tissues. This milestone not only holds promise for improving treatments for meniscal injuries but also lays the groundwork for future advancements in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, with the potential to revolutionize healthcare both on Earth and in space.

Sources

  • Redwire Corporation — BioFabrication Facility —
  • Redwire Corporation — Redwire BioFabrication Facility Successfully Prints First Human Knee Meniscus on ISS —
  • Redwire Corporation — Redwire BioFabrication Facility Successfully Prints First Human Knee Meniscus on ISS —
  • Redwire Corporation — Redwire BioFabrication Facility Successfully Prints First Human Knee Meniscus —
  • Redwire Corporation — Redwire Space prints human knee cartilage in space for the first time —