Printing muscle tissue in zero gravity is now possible
What's the story
Researchers at ETH Zurich have successfully printed complex muscle tissue in zero gravity, a major breakthrough for space exploration. The study, published in the journal Advanced Science, highlights the potential of using these bio-engineered models to test drugs and study diseases in space. The research team led by Parth Chansoria used parabolic flights to simulate microgravity conditions and create muscle tissue under precise conditions.
Printing difficulties
Why is it difficult to print muscle tissue on Earth?
The 3D printing of fine biological structures like muscle tissue is difficult under Earth's gravity. The aim is to print tissue that closely resembles natural body structures, but gravity can interfere with this process. The weight of bio-ink (a carrier material mixed with living cells) can cause these structures to collapse or deform before they harden. This results in less realistic models and uneven sinking of cells in the bio-ink.
Innovative technology
New biofabrication system developed by ETH researchers
To overcome these challenges, the ETH researchers developed a biofabrication system called G-FLight (Gravity-independent Filamented Light). This innovative technology enables the rapid production of viable muscle constructs within seconds. The team used a special bio-resin formulation and conducted 3D printing during weightless phases of 30 parabolic cycles. The results showed that tissue printed in microgravity had similar cell viability and number of muscle fibers as those printed under gravity.
Storage potential
Potential for long-term storage and future space applications
The new process developed by the ETH researchers also allows long-term storage of cell-loaded bio-resins, making it ideal for future space applications. The successful production of muscle constructs in microgravity is a major step forward for tissue engineering in space research and biomedicine. The ultimate goal is to use these techniques to produce complex human organoids and tissues on board the International Space Station or other future orbital platforms.
Research applications
What does this mean for research in space?
In space, the researchers can conduct basic research using these "organ models" to study diseases like muscular dystrophy or muscle atrophy caused by weightlessness. These models can also be used to test the effectiveness of therapeutics in a system that better reflects the complexity of the human body. This is because 3D printing in weightlessness allows the muscle fibers to be aligned with such precision and accuracy, making it an ideal platform for advanced biomedical research.