“We’re really glad to be part of something that could help alleviate suffering in developing countries, and worldwide,” Ryan Franks, Aether CEO, told 3DPrint.com. “Knowing that this project is backed by funding from the Gates Foundation is a fantastic motivator and a great honor for everyone at Aether.”
“Everyone at Aether is unbelievably excited to join the Gates Foundation in making a large-scale positive impact in health and medicine,” said Franks.
So, what exactly will Aether and UniSA be doing with the Aether 1? UniSA’s successful grant application spells it out – the goal of the project is to develop an in vitro oviduct (tube through which an ovum passes from the ovary) model, which will replicate the “spermatozoa capacitation process” in order to screen natural products and novel drugs which will target this process in the oviduct, resulting in a brand new contraceptive paradigm. The model will help researchers identify male-specific contraceptive targets that prevent this important process – spermatozoa capacitation basically means the last biochemical step for spermatozoa before they have fully matured and can fertilize an egg cell. Lest any ladies get worried, the contraceptive will only affect the male spermatozoa.
“Every other bioprinter’s automatic offset system is only for syringes. Aether’s Computer Vision system will allow users to easily calibrate X/Y offsets for virtually any tool. Syringes, microvalves, FDM extruders, laser engravers, drawing instruments, and much more. It’s even more accurate and repeatable than sensor based systems,” Franks told 3DPrint.com. “The ability to combine multiple fabrication tools for highly complex prints, yet calculate X/Y offsets accurately and easily, takes Aether 1’s potential to an entirely new level.”
“The Aether printer will complement our existing facilities and add new, unparalleled capabilities, allowing us to print more complex and intricate 3D cell constructs, enabling us to target more realistic and functional screening platforms. In particular, the Aether printer will contribute to our ongoing DAAD collaboration, and Bill and Melinda Gates Grand Challenges Project to develop 3D bioprinted screening platforms for contraceptive discovery,” said Dr. Blencowe. “We are very excited to be working with the Aether Team to develop new applications for their printers, and are grateful for the team’s support and the Australian Government’s National Innovation and Science Agenda Global Connection fund for supporting this collaborative effort.”