US Army Turns To 3D-Printed Skin To Protect Soldiers From Worst War Threats

In a groundbreaking move aimed at transforming how the U.S. military addresses battlefield injuries and logistical challenges, the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Chemical Biological Center (DEVCOM CBC) has formalized a strategic partnership with the University of Hawaii System.

The partnership was officially launched through a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA), a framework that empowers both institutions to jointly pursue advanced biomedical and manufacturing technologies. At its core are two Joint Work Statements (JWS), each targeting a distinct but complementary aspect of combat readiness.

The first agreement, signed on March 14, 2025, centers on bioprinting and organ-on-a-chip systems technologies that could revolutionize how countermeasures are tested against chemical, biological, and environmental threats. Leading the charge are Dr. Jason Barnhill, an Associate Research Professor at the University of Hawaii’s John A. Burns School of Medicine (JABSOM), and Priscilla Lee, a bioengineering researcher at DEVCOM CBC. Their work is pushing the frontier of regenerative medicine.

Bioprinting, which uses cell-based “bio-inks” to create lifelike 3D human tissues, offers enormous potential on the battlefield. Whether it’s treating burns, toxic exposure, or antibiotic-resistant infections, this cutting-edge process allows for faster and more accurate testing of therapeutic responses. According to DEVCOM, the objective is to refine current in vitro models by printing skin and tissue analogs that more accurately simulate human reactions in real-world combat conditions.

Priscilla Lee’s role also involves developing immune-response models and biomaterials, laying the foundation for future protective systems that can be deployed in forward-operating environments. To that end, the University of Hawaii at M?noa is now focusing on building portable bioprinting stations capable of producing life-saving prototypes in austere, resource-limited settings.

“We are incredibly proud that Dr. Barnhill and Priscilla Lee are representing the University of Hawaii at M?noa and DEVCOM CBC with these efforts that have the potential to save the lives of our frontline Soldiers and civilians across the world,” said Dr. Sam Shomaker, Dean of JABSOM. He added, “By helping to introduce innovative fabrication technology to even more remote areas, JABSOM is assisting in the mission across the Pacific and globally.”

The second JWS under this partnership expands the focus from medical innovation to forward-deployable manufacturing and repair systems tailored for the Indo-Pacific theater. Hawaii’s proximity to the region and its robust research infrastructure make it a key asset in the Army’s plan to build resilient, distributed supply chains that can respond swiftly to crises and sustain operations across vast distances.

This broader initiative supports dual-use innovation, allowing for both military and civilian applications of the developed technologies. It will serve as a testbed for field-ready logistics, including real-time repair, sustainment, and the fabrication of essential equipment. Just as importantly, it aims to strengthen interoperability with regional allies, a critical factor in maintaining strategic balance in the Indo-Pacific.