UAE’s Mubadala Healthcare and NYUAD to jointly produce 3D-printed medical masks

Mubadala Healthcare has teamed up with New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD) to undertake 3D printing of masks which can be used by healthcare workers battling the Covid-19 pandemic.

These 3D-printed masks will be similar to the top-rated N95 mask, but reusable and with replaceable filters, said Mubadala Healthcare in a statement earlier this week.

For this project, Mubadala Healthcare enlisted experts at its Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi facility to advise on issues regarding supply chain and clinical engineering, as well as sought their medical opinion and help in testing the equipment, reported official news agency WAM.

NYUAD meanwhile is using its Core Technology Platform and resources in 3D printing, engineering, and design expertise to produce physical prototypes in under 48 hours.

These prototypes are currently being tested in non-live conditions by the Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi physicians, and after receiving feedback, NYUAD will tweak the design of the masks.

NYU Abu Dhabi vice provost for innovation and managing director of startAD Ramesh Jagannathan said that the 3D printed prototypes were designed to meet the performance standards of the N95 masks, but went one step further with the modular new design that allowed the masks to be sterilised and reused with removable and replaceable filters thus ensuring a more sustainable supply of this crucial piece of medical equipment.

“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,” said Jagannathan.

Hasan Jasem Al Nowais, senior vice president at Mubadala Healthcare meanwhile added that the government body was impressed with the response they received from all other entities involved in this project.

“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 Al Nowais.

He added: “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.”

Al Nowais said that Mubadala Healthcare has already undertaken several other steps during the current crisis including establishing on-site and drive-through screening centers at its facilities, increasing laboratory testing capacity for Covid-19, launching pharmacy home delivery and also expanding telemedicine across assets.

“We will continue to work with other Mubadala assets as well as highly regarded external parties in an ongoing effort to support the UAE leadership and its people to overcome the current challenges wherever possible,” said Al Nowais.