admin A groundbreaking project led by Dr. Tammy T. Chang from the University of California, San Francisco, is set to transform the future of liver transplantation and tissue engineering. The research, conducted aboard the International Space Station (ISS), focuses on the self-assembly of human liver tissues in low Earth orbit (LEO), where microgravity presents unique advantages over Earth-based techniques. The innovative work could significantly improve the creation of complex liver tissues for medical use on Earth, with key findings and transport strategies to be shared at the American College of Surgeons (ACS) Clinical Congress 2024 in San Francisco.
Harnessing Microgravity for Tissue Development
Dr. Chang’s laboratory is using induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) — cells reprogrammed from normal human cells to function like embryonic stem cells — in their space-based experiments. These iPSCs are assembled into liver tissues that function similarly to a simplified liver. Unlike traditional tissue engineering methods that require external matrices or culture plates, microgravity allows the cells to float and organise naturally, leading to more accurate physiological development.
Central to this research is the creation of a custom bioreactor called the “Tissue Orb,” designed to mimic the natural blood flow of human tissues. This bioreactor features an artificial blood vessel and an automated system for media exchange, enabling the self-assembly process to occur efficiently in space’s weightless environment. Early results indicate that liver tissues developed in microgravity show better differentiation and functionality than those grown under standard Earth conditions, a promising step toward creating viable liver tissue implants.
Future Applications and Cryopreservation Innovations
In addition to tissue engineering, the research team is developing advanced cryopreservation techniques, such as isochoric supercooling, to safely transport tissues back to Earth. This method allows tissues to be stored below freezing without sustaining damage, potentially extending the shelf life of engineered tissues for future biomedical applications, including drug testing, disease modelling, and therapeutic implants.
Supported by the National Science Foundation (NSF), NASA, and the International Space Station National Laboratory (ISSNL), the Chang Laboratory’s spaceflight experiment is slated for launch in February 2025. This pioneering work not only advances tissue engineering but also lays the groundwork for future innovations in space-based medical manufacturing.
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