NASA states that both teams relied on "similar 3D printing technologies to create gel-like molds, or scaffolding, with a network of channels designed to maintain sufficient oxygen and nutrient levels to leave the constructed tissues alive," they have, however , deferred on their designs and print materials.
“I cannot hide that this is a truly impressive result. When NASA started this challenge in 2016, we weren't sure there would be a winner, ”said Jim Reuter, NASA's associate administrator for space technology, in a recent press release. "It will be great to hear about the first artificial organ transplant one day and think that this new challenge from NASA may have played a small role in making it happen."
The Winston group has been declared the winner so that the team will not only receive $ 300,000 to promote the development of the technology, but will be able to send its experiment to the International Space Station for further testing. The WFIRM team will receive $ 100,000, but no orbital expeditions, to continue its research. The procedures and medical products that this research potentially promises could be revolutionary. Rather than relying on a network of volunteers, tomorrow's organ transplant candidates could simply have their replacement organs printed before their transplant surgeries, virtually eliminating the chances of rejection and ensuring a complete genetic match every time. >
“The value of an artificial fabric depends entirely on how well it mimics what happens in the body,” added Lynn Harper, challenge administrator at NASA's Ames Research Center. “The requirements are precise and vary from organ to organ, making the task extremely challenging and complex. The research resulting from this NASA challenge represents a benchmark, a well-documented foundation upon which to build the next advance. "
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