Periodic Reporting for period 1 - PULSE (3D Printing of Ultra-fideLity tissues using Space for anti-ageing solutions on Earth)
Reporting period: 2023-04-01 to 2024-03-31
PULSE project is poised to develop paradigm-changing bioprinting technology for applications in space and on Earth. By combining magnetic and acoustic levitation into an innovative bioprinting platform, PULSE’s device should be capable of achieving unparalleled spatiotemporal control of cell deposition. This new technology facilitates the precise manipulation of biological materials, enabling the creation of highly sophisticated and realistic organoids that closely mimic the complexity of the corresponding human organs.
Bioprinting in Space is one of the novel promising and perspective research directions in the rapidly emerging field of biofabrication. There are several advantages of bioprinting in Space. First, under the conditions of microgravity, it is possible to bioprint constructs employing more fluidic channels and, thus, more biocompatible bio-inks. Second, microgravity conditions enable 3D bioprinting of tissue and organ constructs of more complex geometries with voids, cavities, and tunnels. Third, a novel scaffold-free, label-free, and nozzle-free technology based on multi-levitation principles can be implemented under the condition of microgravity. The ideal Space bioprinters must be safe, automated, compact, and user friendly.
Systematic exploration of 3D bioprinting in Space will advance biofabrication and bioprinting technology per se. Vice versa 3D bioprinted tissues could be used to study pathophysiological biological phenomena when exposed to microgravity and cosmic radiation that will be useful on Earth to understand ageing conditioning of tissues, and in space for the crew of deep space manned missions. As a proof of concept study, in PULSE will use this newly developed bioprinting technology to create cardiac 3D in vitro models able to better mimic cardiac physiology compared to organoids. We will use such models to study cardiac ageing and test the efficacy of anti-inflammatory/anti-oxidative drugs with anti-ageing potential.
Bioprinting in Space is one of the novel promising and perspective research directions in the rapidly emerging field of biofabrication. There are several advantages of bioprinting in Space. First, under the conditions of microgravity, it is possible to bioprint constructs employing more fluidic channels and, thus, more biocompatible bio-inks. Second, microgravity conditions enable 3D bioprinting of tissue and organ constructs of more complex geometries with voids, cavities, and tunnels. Third, a novel scaffold-free, label-free, and nozzle-free technology based on multi-levitation principles can be implemented under the condition of microgravity. The ideal Space bioprinters must be safe, automated, compact, and user friendly.
Systematic exploration of 3D bioprinting in Space will advance biofabrication and bioprinting technology per se. Vice versa 3D bioprinted tissues could be used to study pathophysiological biological phenomena when exposed to microgravity and cosmic radiation that will be useful on Earth to understand ageing conditioning of tissues, and in space for the crew of deep space manned missions. As a proof of concept study, in PULSE will use this newly developed bioprinting technology to create cardiac 3D in vitro models able to better mimic cardiac physiology compared to organoids. We will use such models to study cardiac ageing and test the efficacy of anti-inflammatory/anti-oxidative drugs with anti-ageing potential.
In the first year of the project, we have focused our efforts in setting up the theoretical and practical framework for the bioprinter set-up, the cell types to be used to form the cardiac 3D in vitro models, and the workflow to ship bioprinter and cells to the International Space Station.
We have performed mathematical modeling of magnetic and acoustic levitation, which was instrumental to inform the design of the magneto-acoustic levitation set-up. We have obtained all components for the development of Prototype 1 (Ground Model) with reduced magnetic field and acoustic frequency compared to what originally identified in the grant proposal. We have generated a first prototype of the ground model, which we are currently testing in operation. We have also started the design of the ground model taking into account the more stringent requirements of operation at the ISS, in terms of available space, automation conditions during the execution of the cell culture experiments, and collection of samples and waste products.
We have successfully achieved the characterization of endothelial cells, cardiomyocytes, cardiofibroblasts, and cardioids according to KPIs. We have also started to screen hydrogels for cell encapsulation for the bioprinted constructs, showing successful maintenance of cell viability. This activity will be further boosted by the inclusion of META in the consortium, which will provide more biological active hydrogels expected to maintain not only cell viability, but support cell functionality retention and facilitate cell storage during transportation from ground facilities to the ISS.
We have also identified an initial list of requirements for the PULSE space mission. Based on the definition of the preliminary requirements, platforms and strategies for accommodating the PULSE bioprinter in space were evaluated and compared. This has also resulted in the initial formulation of possible scenarios for: 1) transportation of the payloads from the partners labs to the ground laboratories before launching, 2) the rocket launch service identification, 3) the functioning of the PULSE bioprinter on the ISS, and 4) the storage and collection of samples after returning on Earth.
We have performed mathematical modeling of magnetic and acoustic levitation, which was instrumental to inform the design of the magneto-acoustic levitation set-up. We have obtained all components for the development of Prototype 1 (Ground Model) with reduced magnetic field and acoustic frequency compared to what originally identified in the grant proposal. We have generated a first prototype of the ground model, which we are currently testing in operation. We have also started the design of the ground model taking into account the more stringent requirements of operation at the ISS, in terms of available space, automation conditions during the execution of the cell culture experiments, and collection of samples and waste products.
We have successfully achieved the characterization of endothelial cells, cardiomyocytes, cardiofibroblasts, and cardioids according to KPIs. We have also started to screen hydrogels for cell encapsulation for the bioprinted constructs, showing successful maintenance of cell viability. This activity will be further boosted by the inclusion of META in the consortium, which will provide more biological active hydrogels expected to maintain not only cell viability, but support cell functionality retention and facilitate cell storage during transportation from ground facilities to the ISS.
We have also identified an initial list of requirements for the PULSE space mission. Based on the definition of the preliminary requirements, platforms and strategies for accommodating the PULSE bioprinter in space were evaluated and compared. This has also resulted in the initial formulation of possible scenarios for: 1) transportation of the payloads from the partners labs to the ground laboratories before launching, 2) the rocket launch service identification, 3) the functioning of the PULSE bioprinter on the ISS, and 4) the storage and collection of samples after returning on Earth.
One of the key applications of PULSE’s innovative bioprinting technology is the creation of in vitro 3D human heart models, which are essential tools for studying the effects of space and radiation on the human cardiovascular system. These advanced heart models will provide invaluable insights into cardiac physiology and pathology, facilitating the development of preventive and therapeutic solutions for astronauts embarking on long-term space missions and cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy. Bioprinted organoids that closely replicate the complexity of human organs have the potential to reduce the reliance on animal experimentation and provide a more accurate and efficient platform to study disease mechanisms and evaluate drug responses.