RADIATION PROGRAM
Exposure to ionizing radiation presents a significant health risk. For decades, radiobiology and radiation countermeasure research has relied primarily on animal studies. We are developing organ-on-chip platforms to create reproducible human tissue with potential to better mimic the human biological response for systematic investigations of radiation impacts. These models enable deconstruction of complex tissue microenvironments into component parts to better understand cell-cell interactions and identify potential pathways for novel countermeasure discovery.
SKIN PROGRAM
After full-thickness skin injury, healing deficiencies such as scars and repeated epidermal breakdown are partially due to the absence of hair follicles. Hair follicles contain repositories of multipotent stem cells that can be called upon to speed wound healing. Bioprinting allows for the fabrication of discrete skin architecture, including hair follicles, through exact placement of biomaterial and cell populations. In this project, human biomimetic skin containing dermal papilla spheroids and keratinocytes are 3D printed with collagen and then cultured in an air-liquid interface, and subsequently grafted onto nude mice where nascent hair follicle formation is evaluated.
GUT PROGRAM
Many bacteria and bacterial toxins cause food and water-borne diarrheal illness and are an acute risk to warfighters stationed overseas. While aspects of infection by toxin-producing E. Coli are understood, the mechanism of action for colonizing and crossing the intestinal barrier is still largely unknown. We developed a biomimetic three-layer model of the human colon and evaluated translocation of shiga toxin in comparison to a more standard single cell model. Our results suggest that single cell models may underestimate the amount of toxin translocation and that the try-layer model may be better translocation inhibitor studies.
TISSUE ENGINEERING FOR MUSCULOSKELETAL INJURIES
Musculoskeletal injuries are a leading cause of healthcare utilization, disability, and non-deployable status in the military. We are leveraging 3D bioprinting to develop new treatments addressing two common issues – meniscal tears and osteoarthritis. Tears of the meniscus are among the most commonly diagnosed knee injuries, with military service members having ten times the incidence compared to civilians. We are developing a 3D printed, tissue engineered meniscal device designed to be trimmed-to-fit, implanted and sutured for use in repairing meniscal tears as an alternative to donor tissue. Meniscal tears and other joint injuries can lead to osteoarthritis, which involves the gradual breakdown of cartilage on joint surfaces, and disproportionately impacts service members and veterans. We are 3D bioprinting osteochondral tissue to be similar to native bone and cartilage for treatment of joint injuries to prevent osteoarthritis.
ON-DEMAND BLOOD (ODB) PROGRAM
Resurrection of the pilot DARPA "Blood Pharming" red blood cell (RBC) program from the early 2000s with the intent of producing full range of human blood products ("whole blood") in austere environments. Using state-of-the-art biotechnology, the program will initially target the production of human RBCs and neutrophils. This effort incorporates multiple partners from various Federal agencies, as well as academia and industry.
AUSTERE MANUFACTURING
Medical response to military conflicts, natural disasters, and humanitarian crises are challenged by operational logistics with unreliable supply chains, delayed medical evacuation, and compatibility of the disparate medical equipment and consumables. In these environments, stocks of supplies will become depleted and the need for equipment parts will increase due to heavy use. Additive Manufacturing (AM), or 3D printing, at or closer to the point-of-need provides potential solutions to mitigate these logistics challenges. We have successfully demonstrated 3D printing and bioprinting in an African desert location, an arctic environment, and on the International Space Station.
Education AND TRAINING
Our education initiatives span all levels of instruction and include mentored research projects and courses for undergraduates, Graduates, and Medical Students.
Undergraduate: 4D Bio3 provides opportunities for both military and civilian undergraduates including guest lectures at Service academies, a joint summer internship for selected military academy students, and paid summer internships for civilians.
Graduate: 4D Bio3 offers biotechnology expertise and lab support for USU’s uniformed and civilian graduate students, including an introductory course in bioengineering, 12-week lab rotation, and dissertation research.
Medical Students: Under USU School of Medicine’s Capstone program, medical students can undertake a mentored literature search or a hands-on experience in the 4D Bio3 laboratory.
TRANSITION (CIVILIAN AND MILITARY)
Validated Assessment Program Operational Readiness (VAPOR)
In collaboration with the U.S. Air Force 59th Medical Wing, VAPOR's mission is to deliver an operational validation proving ground for the acquisition, evaluation, and implementation of technologies that ensures and improves medical readiness.
Passive detection
Emerging acute respiratory diseases (ARDs), such as COVID-19, pose significant threat for the U.S. Military, especially in training environments where crowded living conditions and demanding multi-factorial stresses exacerbate infection exposures. This effort will provide accurate and rapid passive surveillance screening for COVID-19 as well as other potential hazardous chemical and biological agents.
Current technologies in clinical trial:
- Mass spectrometry technology, combined with advanced artificial intelligence, capable of providing near-instant detection for the presence of disease
- Infrasound-to-ultrasound e-stethoscope to unveil and interpret human, animal, and structural health information hidden in the “noise” of air and fluid movements of the body.
In parallel, the program will identify, evaluate, and transition groundbreaking new technologies in diagnostics for operationalization.