Mubadala Healthcare and NYUAD join forces to 3D print medical supplies
The new 3D printed masks will be similar to the top-rated N95 masks but reusable and with replacement filters
Mubadala Healthcare has reached out to NYU Abu Dhabi (NYUAD) to leverage its 3D printing and Core Technology Platform capabilities to meet the growing demand for critical medical supplies. The move is part of the firm’s efforts to find innovative solutions to the challenges presented by COVID-19.
In a statement, Mubadala Healthcare said the aim of the initiative is to act proactively by meeting immediate needs in a sustainable way. The new 3D printed masks will be similar to the top-rated N95 mask but reusable and with replacement filters, the firm said.
“This collaboration is aligned with Mubadala Investment Company’s #WeAreDedicated campaign, launched as a COVID-19 response strategy to find ways to collaborate across diverse enterprises and sectors to protect the community, and support the UAE government in its efforts to tackle the pandemic and mitigate its impacts,” said Hasan Jasem Al Nowais, senior VP at Mubadala Healthcare.
For the 3D-printed mask project, Mubadala Healthcare said it enlisted experts at its Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi facility to advise on issues regarding supply chain and clinical engineering, as well as seeking their medical opinion and help in testing the equipment.
According to the statement, NYUAD responded immediately to Mubadala Healthcare’s call. Its teams began working with the project team and leveraged its 3D printing, engineering and design resources to turn around physical prototypes in less than 48 hours. The prototypes are currently being tested in non-live conditions by the Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi physicians, and after receiving feedback, the University will optimise the design of the masks.
“We were impressed by the enthusiastic response we received from all parties involved and the speed at which development has taken place. While our own facilities are well placed to procure supplies today, it is important to have a more robust and diversified supply network moving forward. It is our hope that our work will also help to ensure adequate supply to meet the UAE’s needs, and that our methods can help the international community as well,” explained Al Nowais.
NYU Abu Dhabi Vice Provost (Innovation) and MD of startAD, Ramesh Jagannathan added, “We are continually seeking ways to support COVID-19 solutions, and protecting the country’s healthcare workers should be one of the top priorities. This initiative allows us to directly contribute to the government’s response to the outbreak, and builds on our existing role of offering the highest standards in education. I am proud to say that two members of the team at Mubadala Healthcare working on this project are NYUAD alumni.”
Jagannathan explained that the 3D printed prototypes are designed to meet the performance standards of the N95 mask, but enhanced by the fact that the modular new design will enable the masks to be sterilised and reused, with removable, replaceable filters.
Al Nowais concluded saying that the project was part of Mubadala Healthcare’s broader approach to responding proactively to the pandemic. In addition to other steps, it has established on-site and drive-through screening centers at its facilities, increased laboratory testing capacity for COVID-19, launched pharmacy home delivery, and expanded telemedicine across assets.
