RBCC’s BiO Assay wins grant from CASIS for Biological Research in Microgravity

The BiO Assay, a 3D Bioprinting technology being promoted around the world by the joint venture of Rainbow Coral Corp. (OTCBB: RBCC) and Nano3D Biosciences (n3D), has been awarded a research grant from the Center for Advancement of Science in Space (CASIS)—the sole manager of the International Space Station U.S. National Laboratory.

CASIS has been tasked by NASA to incite the imagination of entrepreneurs and scientists alike, accelerating and facilitating space-based research by selecting research and funding projects, by connecting investors looking for opportunity to scientists with great ideas, and by making access to the station faster and easier. CASIS has awarded the BiO Assay a grant for the activities associated with n3D's recent proposal, entitled "Magnetic 3D Cell Culture for Biological Research in Microgravity."

The BiO Assay is the world's first commercially available 3D bioprinting system designed for high throughput and high-content drug screening. The automated toxicity assay uses biocompatible magnetic nanoparticles to print cells into 3D structures much faster and more affordably than competing bioprinting tech currently on the market. According to n3D's proposed flight definition study, the magnetic cell culture technology could soon be incorporated into existing space-flight hardware, laying the foundation for 3D bioprinting experiments in the microgravity of outer space.

"This grant is simply further confirmation that the BiO Assay is one of the most important scientific innovations to emerge in recent years," said RBCC CEO Kimberly Palmer. "We can't wait to see its potential unlocked in a microgravity environment."

RBCC formed a biotech subsidiary, Rainbow Biosciences, to market and develop new medical and research technology innovations such as the BiO Assay to compete alongside companies such as Biogen Idec Inc. (NASDAQ: BIIB), Abbott Laboratories (NYSE: ABT) and Amgen Inc. (NASDAQ: AMGN). In 2012, Rainbow Biosciences acquired an equity interest in n3D.