# 57. Fast Healing Bandages For Astronauts & Organs

- Show: [The Next Byte Podcast](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast)
- Published: 2022-02-15
- Length: 22m
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2022-02-15-57-fast-healing-bandages-for-astronauts-organs
- Listen: https://the-next-byte-wevolver.simplecast.com/episodes/57-bandages-for-astronauts-organs-n9dAdSle

## Summary

Hosts Daniel and Farbod discuss two biomedical engineering breakthroughs: a handheld 3D printer developed by the German Space Agency and Technical University of Dresden that prints bio-plaster with astronaut cells for space wounds, and a biodegradable 'duct tape' for intestines created by MIT researchers to replace sutures and reduce sepsis risk. They analyze the materials science behind the intestinal tape, including polyacrylic acid and PVA, and its successful testing in pigs. The episode highlights how additive manufacturing and biomaterials are solving critical problems in both space exploration and surgical medicine.

## Chapters

- [0:00](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2022-02-15-57-fast-healing-bandages-for-astronauts-organs#t=0) Introduction and Sponsor
- [1:00](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2022-02-15-57-fast-healing-bandages-for-astronauts-organs#t=60) 3D Printed Bio-Plaster for Space
- [9:33](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2022-02-15-57-fast-healing-bandages-for-astronauts-organs#t=573) Duct Tape Sutures for Intestines
- [14:33](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2022-02-15-57-fast-healing-bandages-for-astronauts-organs#t=873) Materials Science and Testing
- [19:06](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2022-02-15-57-fast-healing-bandages-for-astronauts-organs#t=1146) Future Applications and Conclusion

## Topics

- [Prototyping & iteration](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/prototyping)
- [Materials & manufacturing processes](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/materials-and-processes)
- [Medical & health devices](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/medical-devices)

## Most relevant to

makers and hobbyists

## Mentioned

- Mouser Electronics (company)
- Technical University of Dresden (company)
- MIT (company)
- Matthias Maurer (other)
- Zan Hei Zao (other)

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- [Episode 102: Soft robots inspired by plants - Isabella Fiorello](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2024-12-13-episode-102-soft-robots-inspired-by-plants-isabella-fiorello) (Robot Talk)
- [Ep 217: The Unintentional Space and 3D Printing Episode](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2023-05-05-ep-217-the-unintentional-space-and-3d-printing-episode-eaccf4fe) (Hackaday Podcast)
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## Citing this page

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