Can muscle tissue be 3D-printed in outer area to enhance astronaut well being? That is what a recent study revealed in Superior Science hopes to handle as a staff of scientists investigated how human tissue will be manufactured in area. This examine has the potential to assist scientists, researchers, and the general public higher perceive new strategies for not solely aiding in long-term area journey but in addition combating illnesses on Earth.
For the examine, the researchers used a series of parabolic flights to check G-FLight (Gravity-independent Filamented Mild), which is a novel 3D printing biomanufacturing system able to producing muscle cells and fibers in a matter of seconds. The aim of the parabolic flights was to simulate microgravity, which is produced by the airplane sharply diving after steadily rising in altitude. The objective of the examine was to establish if G-Flight might efficiently 3D-print muscle fibers below microgravity situations. Ultimately, the researchers discovered that G-FLight efficiently produced muscle fibers below microgravity situations throughout parabolic flights.
Picture of the researchers on the parabolic flight that examined G-FLight. (Credit score: ETH Zurich / Wiley On-line Library)
The examine notes in its conclusions, “We have now offered G-FLight printing as an efficient device for the speedy gravity-independent fabrication of aligned tissues, specializing in muscle tissue as an utility. The printer featured a sturdy and compact form-factor able to printing aligned microfilamented tissue constructs inside seconds. We optimized particular resin formulations, which allowed storage along with encapsulated cells below refrigeration or cryopreservation situations for at the least one week.”
This examine comes as NASA and China are at the moment racing to land their astronauts on the lunar floor earlier than 2030, whereas additionally having plans to ship astronauts to Mars throughout the subsequent decade. Due to this fact, research like this display that advances in area biomanufacturing might show helpful for addressing well being considerations for astronauts on long-term area missions past Earth.
How will G-FLight assist enhance area biomanufacturing within the coming years and a long time? Solely time will inform, and for this reason we science!
As all the time, hold doing science & hold trying up!
Sources: Advanced Science, EurekAlert!
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