Publications
Curr Stem Cell Rep
June 2025
By Joshua G. Hunsberger, Pearly Pandya, Molly K. Mulligan, Davide Marotta, Lorenzo Moroni, Maxim Shusteff, Grace Brogan, Mathew Brovold, James Yoo, Jacob Koffler, Isac Lazarovits, Salil Desai, Kunal Mitra, Steven R. Bauer, Stephen W. Sawyer, James Schmidt, Jana Stoudemire & Michael Gelinsky
Abstract
Purpose of Review
The purpose of this review is to share insights from recognized experts in 3D biopriniting on the recent advances in these technologies discussed during a recent workshop held in conjunction with the 2024 ISS National Laboratory Research and Development Conference (ISSRDC). We seek to answer how microgravity can be used as a disruptor to make further advances not possible through conventional means.
Recent Findings
This review will cover current efforts underway to use microgravity for 3D bioprinting. For instance multi-levitation biofabrication technology funded under the EU PULSE project is currently being used to create cardiovascular 3D in vitro models to better mimic cardiac and vascular physiology compared to organoids. These types of models could be expanded to other organ systems and disease models to use the environment of microgravity to unlock new signaling pathways to cure disease.
Summary
The major takeaway from this review is that microgravity will unlock new opportunities for 3D bioprinting that were simply not possible using conventional means. We provide forward looking answers to what microgravity will inspire from advanced biomaterials to new disease models to even creating a knowledge hub for 3D bioprinting to launch new platforms at record speeds.
Frontiers for Young Minds
2024
By Kevin Tabury, Emil Rehnberg, Bjorn Baselet, Sarah Baatout, Lorenzo Moroni
Abstract
Living in space is not as simple as living on Earth. The environment in space is harmful for humans. Astronauts experience weightlessness and are exposed to dangerous radiation. On top of that, astronauts live in a tiny area, far from their loved ones. All our organs are harmed by these factors. The heart, for example, starts to age much quicker in space than on Earth. This means that astronauts have a higher risk of heart disease after going to space. It is therefore important that we investigate why this happens so that we can prevent it. In the past, these studies were based on experiments using animals or humans. Today, we can create mini-hearts in the lab for our experiments instead. In this article, we will explain how we make mini-hearts and how they help us understand and prevent the heart’s aging in space.
Preparatory research
Advanced Healthcare Materials, 14 June 2023
By Kevin Tabury, Emil Rehnberg, Bjorn Baselet, Sarah Baatout, Lorenzo Moroni
Abstract
Bioprinting in space is the next frontier in tissue engineering. In the absence of gravity, novel opportunities arise, as well as new challenges. The cardiovascular system needs particular attention in tissue engineering, not only to develop safe countermeasures for astronauts in future deep and long-term space missions, but also to bring solutions to organ transplantation shortage. In this perspective, the challenges encountered when using bioprinting techniques in space and current gaps that need to be overcome are discussed. The recent developments that have been made in the bioprinting of heart tissues in space and an outlook on potential future bioprinting opportunities in space are described.