In a pioneering effort to transform battlefield medicine, the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Chemical Biological Center (DEVCOM CBC) has partnered with the University of Hawaii System to explore how 3D-printed skin and other lab-grown tissues can save soldiers from chemical, biological, and burn-related injuries. This collaboration, rooted in a cooperative research and development agreement (CRADA) signed on March 14, 2025, is focused on harnessing biomaterials and advanced manufacturing techniques to bring life-saving solutions directly to the front lines, particularly in remote and high-risk environments where traditional medical support is often out of reach. By taking bioprinting technology out of the laboratory and into the field, this initiative promises to redefine how the military addresses some of the most severe threats faced by warfighters.

At the core of this partnership are two joint work statements (JWS) that outline the specific goals and methods of the collaboration. The first involves Dr. Jason Barnhill, an associate research professor at the John A. Burns School of Medicine (JABSOM) at the University of Hawaii at Mānoa, and Priscilla Lee, a bioengineering researcher at DEVCOM CBC. Together, they are developing organ models, including organ-on-a-chip systems and bioprinted tissue models such as layers of human skin, to study how the body responds to chemical and biological (chem-bio) exposures. Bioprinting, a process that uses cell-based inks to create three-dimensional tissue structures, allows them to replicate human skin and other tissues with remarkable accuracy. These models provide a way to assess the effects of burns, poisonous gases, antibiotic-resistant bacteria, and other chem-bio threats, enabling researchers to develop and test treatments more effectively than ever before. For soldiers, this could mean faster, more precise interventions for injuries that might otherwise prove fatal.

The potential of bioprinting goes beyond research labs. The collaboration aims to create deployable bioprinters that can operate in austere conditions, such as those found across the Indo-Pacific region. These portable devices would be part of remote, pop-up labs capable of producing custom medical solutions on demand. Imagine a soldier suffering from a severe burn or chemical exposure in a far-flung combat zone. With a bioprinter on-site, medics could generate a temporary skin graft or other tissue repair solution right then and there, reducing the critical delay between injury and treatment. This capability could dramatically improve survival rates by preventing infections and stabilizing wounds until the soldier can reach a full medical facility. Priscilla Lee’s work at DEVCOM CBC, which focuses on bioprinting cell culture models to study immune responses and develop next-generation biomaterials, is a key driver in making this vision a reality.

The partnership’s location in Hawaii adds a strategic dimension to the effort. The University of Hawaii’s proximity to the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM), headquartered in the state, positions it as a vital player in regional defense innovation. The team plans to deploy bioprinters and other manufacturing tools across the Indo-Pacific, a region known for its vast distances and challenging terrains. By establishing these remote labs, the collaboration aims to boost readiness in areas far from traditional support hubs, ensuring that soldiers have access to critical medical resources no matter where they are deployed. Sam Shomaker, dean of JABSOM, emphasized the broader impact of this work, stating, “We are incredibly proud that Dr. Barnhill and Priscilla Lee are representing the University of Hawaii at Mānoa and DEVCOM CBC with these efforts that have the potential to save the lives of our frontline soldiers and civilians across the world. By helping to introduce innovative biofabrication technology to even more remote areas, JABSOM is assisting in the mission across the Pacific and globally.”

While the first JWS focuses on medical applications, the second expands the scope to include broader advanced manufacturing capabilities. Leveraging the University of Hawaii’s research and development expertise in the USINDOPACOM region, this phase aims to build a regional network that enhances supply chain resilience and supports faster repair capabilities. Though this effort extends beyond bioprinting, it complements the medical initiative by creating a more robust infrastructure for delivering solutions to the battlefield. For example, a stronger supply chain could ensure that bioprinters and their materials are readily available, while improved manufacturing could support the production of other essential equipment. Together, these efforts strengthen the Army’s ability to respond to a wide range of challenges, from medical emergencies to logistical hurdles.

The DEVCOM CBC brings a wealth of experience to this collaboration. As the Department of Defense’s primary technical organization for non-medical chemical and biological defense, it has a long history of developing technologies to protect warfighters from chem-bio threats. With a multidisciplinary team of scientists, engineers, and specialists spread across four U.S. sites—Edgewood Area of Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland; Pine Bluff Arsenal, Arkansas; Rock Island Arsenal, Illinois; and Dugway Proving Ground, Utah—the center is uniquely equipped to tackle the complex challenges of battlefield medicine. Paired with the University of Hawaii’s expertise in biomaterials and advanced manufacturing, this partnership combines cutting-edge science with practical application, aiming to deliver tangible benefits to soldiers in the field.

The implications of this work are profound. For soldiers facing burns, the ability to bioprint skin could mean the difference between life and death. A severe burn, if left untreated, can lead to infection, fluid loss, and organ failure, especially in the chaotic and resource-scarce environment of a battlefield. By producing a bioprinted skin layer on-site, medics could seal the wound, protect it from further damage, and buy precious time for evacuation and advanced care. Similarly, for chemical or biological exposures—like poisonous gases or drug-resistant bacteria—the organ models developed through this collaboration could accelerate the identification of effective treatments. These models mimic how real human tissues react, offering a faster and more ethical alternative to traditional testing methods, which could ultimately lead to therapies that neutralize threats before they cause irreversible harm.

This initiative fits into the larger mission of DEVCOM, the U.S. Army Futures Command’s leader in scientific exploration and technological innovation. Spanning eight major competency areas—from rockets and robots to drones and artillery—DEVCOM is dedicated to equipping American warfighters with the tools they need to succeed on future battlefields. The collaboration with the University of Hawaii is a prime example of how DEVCOM integrates emerging technologies into practical solutions, ensuring that soldiers are not only protected but also empowered to carry out their missions.

As this partnership moves forward, its impact could extend beyond the military. The bioprinting techniques and remote lab concepts being developed have the potential to benefit civilians in disaster zones or underserved regions, where access to medical care is limited. A technology that can save a soldier from a battlefield injury could one day help a burn victim in a rural hospital or a patient in a refugee camp. The supply chain and manufacturing improvements could also inspire new approaches to logistics in non-military contexts, demonstrating the far-reaching value of this research.

In the end, the collaboration between DEVCOM CBC and the University of Hawaii is about more than just advancing technology—it’s about giving soldiers a fighting chance in the face of danger. By bringing 3D-printed skin and lab-grown tissues to the battlefield, this effort could transform how injuries are treated, making the difference between survival and loss in some of the harshest conditions imaginable. As the work progresses, it stands as a testament to the power of innovation and cooperation in protecting those who protect us all.