Microgravity results in tissues that more closely mimic natural physiology, a key factor in creating viable implants for medical purposes.
In a significant step forward for tissue engineering , scientists are employing the microgravity environment aboard the International Space Station to create human liver tissue with superior functionality.
As a result, the liver tissues formed in space show enhanced differentiation and functionality compared to those grown in terrestrial conditions.On Earth, artificial scaffolds or culture plates are used to provide a structure for cells to grow, but these foreign materials can interfere with cellular function. In space, however, the absence of gravity allows cells to float freely and self-organize without the need for external matrices.
“Our findings indicate that microgravity conditions enable the development of liver tissues with better differentiation and functionality than those cultured on Earth,”“This represents a critical step toward creating viable liver tissue implants that could serve as an alternative or adjunct to traditional liver transplants.
Four patented Tissue Orb bioreactors within spaceflight hardware. This configuration will be launched into space and installed in the International Space Station during the first flight experiment in February 2025.
ISS Microgravity Tissue Engineering
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