First Moscow State Medical University named after I.M. Sechenov (Sechenov University) spoke about the project of a special bioreactor that will allow growing human cells in space under microgravity conditions.
The device, being developed by university specialists, will provide conditions for the survival of cells in space. In addition, it will ensure the protection of crops and their nutrition.
It is planned to test the installation first on Earth. After a series of necessary tests, it will go to the International Space Station (ISS). Scientists are interested in whether cells can develop in weightlessness in the same way as on Earth, how they will survive during a long flight, and on what conditions their condition depends.
βThe ultimate goal of the experiments is to find a way to grow bone marrow stem cells in weightlessness, which cosmonauts (or residents of future colonies) can use to heal wounds, burns, and splice bones after fractures,β Sechenov University said in a statement.
It is assumed that research in the future will make it possible to design a device that will allow the use of bone marrow cells of crew members for therapy in flight conditions. Such a system will be needed for long-term space missions. The project is scheduled to be completed in 2024.
We add that in 2018, a unique experiment "Magnetic 3D bioprinter" was conducted on board the ISS to "print" living tissues. More information about this work can be found in our material.
Source: 3dnews.ru