Virtual Tour of Region’s First Body Museum, Flexible Hydrogel Base Electrode, 3D Printed Prototype of Knee Component, and 3D Bioprinter Enthrall Visitors and Guests
A diverse range of healthcare and life sciences research projects including a startup from Khalifa University’s College of Medicine and Health Sciences (CMHS) were featured at Arab Health 2024, the 49th edition of the leading medical equipment exhibition in the Middle East.
Khalifa University presented a flexible hydrogel base electrode that can record electrophysiology signals, a novel 3D printed prototype of human knee femoral component, and a custom, easy-to-use, air pressure-powered, single-nozzle frugal 3D bio-printer capable of fabricating artificial tissues and organoids in the lab that can also be used in research. In addition, Swift Biomed, a startup from Khalifa Innovation Center (KIC) that aims to develop compact, portable and rapid diagnostics devices for detection of infectious diseases, was showcased at the event. Also at the stand was a virtual tour of the Body Museum by Body Worlds, which explores how disease and aging affect the human body.
Dr. Habiba Alsafar, Dean, Khalifa University College of Medicine and Health Sciences, and Professor, Biomedical Engineering and Biotechnology, said: “Our projects on display at Arab Health 2024 stand testimony to the innovative research in medicine and life sciences, and biotechnology that highlight the advancements in UAE’s established and growing healthcare ecosystem to transform patient care and diagnostics. The products that we bring to the market also testify Khalifa University’s commitment to encourage healthcare startups and promote avenues that assist in healthy aging.”
A virtual tour of the Body Museum at Khalifa University’s CMHS, the UAE’s first permanent exposition of ‘plastinated’ and dissected human bodies, also inspired medicine, health, and life sciences among students, young professionals, and visitors. The virtual tour shed light on the effects of lifestyle diseases and pathological processes on human organs. This promotes awareness amongst both young and old alike to adopt healthier lifestyles and make choices that safeguard their well-being.
The projects on display at Arab Health 2024 illustrated the advanced academic, healthcare, and life sciences endeavors at Khalifa University. The flexible hydrogel base electrode that can record electrophysiology signals, provides precise monitoring and analysis of the body’s electrical signals through natural material instead of metal electrodes, benefiting the environment and society. This device’s biocompatibility improves patient wellbeing and quality of life, while providing the basis for next-generation wearables and noninvasive technologies.
Another project, the novel 3D printed prototype of the human knee femoral component, transforms knee replacement surgery offering greater mobility, comfort, and longevity. These individualized knee implants alleviate pain and restores activity positively impacting patients’ lives.
The custom, easy-to-use, air pressure-powered, single-nozzle frugal 3D bio-printer is capable of fabricating artificial tissues and organoids in the lab that can also be used in research. This bioprinter that fabricates creates three-dimensional living tissue structures by depositing cells layer-by-layer, facilitating gentle and accurate printing for optimal cell viability.
The Khalifa Innovation Center (KIC) startup, Swift Biomed, aims to develop compact, portable and rapid diagnostics devices for detection of infectious diseases like COVID-19, Malaria, Tuberculosis and other biological testing.
Khalifa University’s CMHS is the only graduate program modeled after the North American system with 266 PubMed papers and has received the UAE’s first dual US accreditation for its Simulation Center. The MD program is offered in five curricular strands including Biomedical Science, Clinical Medicine, Medicine and Society, Physicianship, Research, Technology, and Innovation. Its Balsam community-based program claimed the QS Reimagine Education ‘Gold’ award in 2023. The CMHS is equipped with Research Labs, Dry Labs, Imaging Center, Instructional Studio, Preparation Room, Webinar Room, and Anatomical Pathology Lab.
Alisha Roy
Science Writer
7 February 2024
