Microgravity-Induced Osteoporosis Research

Osteoporosis is one of the most significant health challenges facing aging societies worldwide. The disease weakens bone structure, increases the risk of fractures and affects millions of people. Despite extensive research, currently available models—including 2D cell cultures and animal studies—cannot fully replicate the complexity of human bone tissue.

This project aims to develop advanced in vitro bone tissue models that more closely mimic the physiological environment of human bone. By combining innovative bioengineering technologies with space research, the project seeks to improve our understanding of bone loss and support the development of new therapeutic strategies.

The project coordinator is MSc. Barbara Szaflarska.

 

Microgravity as a model for bone loss

One of the project's key objectives is to use microgravity as a unique environment for studying osteoporosis. In space, the absence of mechanical loading accelerates bone loss, making microgravity an exceptional model for investigating the molecular mechanisms responsible for bone degradation.

This approach enables researchers to better understand how bone tissue responds to extreme conditions while providing a platform for testing potential pharmaceutical countermeasures.

 

Bone tissue models aboard the International Space Station

The first stage of the project focuses on a scaffold-based bone tissue model consisting of a porous PLGA scaffold seeded with osteoblast-like MG-63 cells.

The model will be tested aboard the International Space Station (ISS) using the GraviTE bioreactor, a device developed by the AGH Space Systems Students' Association. Results obtained under real microgravity conditions will be compared with experiments performed under simulated microgravity using a Random Positioning Machine (RPM), allowing researchers to identify molecular changes associated with bone degradation.

 

Organ-on-chip technology for more realistic research

The second phase of the project will transform the scaffold-based model into an advanced organ-on-chip platform.

By introducing controlled fluid flow and shear stress, the system will more accurately reproduce the mechanical environment experienced by bone tissue in the human body. Researchers will also develop a new RPM-compatible microfluidic platform equipped with micropumps, valves and a dedicated control system to precisely regulate experimental conditions.

 

Understanding bone loss and testing new therapies

Following exposure to simulated microgravity, both models will undergo comprehensive molecular and functional analyses, including transcriptomic, proteomic and enzymatic studies.

These investigations will provide new insights into the biological processes responsible for bone loss and help evaluate the effectiveness of potential therapeutic compounds designed to prevent osteoporosis.

 

Space technologies for better healthcare

The project combines tissue engineering, microfluidics and space biology to create next-generation tools for osteoporosis research.

The developed models have the potential to support not only biomedical research related to long-duration space missions, but also the development of new treatments for osteoporosis and other age-related bone diseases on Earth.

By integrating innovative in vitro technologies with experiments conducted in real and simulated microgravity, the project will contribute to both the future of human space exploration and advances in healthcare.

 

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