First time bioprinted solid tissue constructs to be sent to the International Space Station and induced pluripotent stem cells to be manufactured in space
Credit: WFIRM
Microgravity allows researchers to study the behavior of cells and tissues in a unique environment, which can lead to new insights and medical breakthroughs in combating disease. For the Ax-2 mission, Axiom Space is working with the University of Connecticut, Eascra Biotech, Cedars-Sinai, and the Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine (WFIRM) to learn more about how microgravity affects stem cells and thick tissue constructs. Their research will provide valuable insights into detecting diseases and developing therapies for people on Earth. Among the experiments flying on Ax-2 are bioengineered liver and kidney tissue constructs, which will assess the impact of microgravity on the vascularization of thick tissues, which could help create a solution for patients in need of organ transplants.
Space Tissue and Regeneration
In collaboration with WFIRM and the RegenMed Development Organization (ReMDO)
During the Ax-2 mission, WFIRM will make history when sending the first bioprinted solid tissue constructs to the International Space Station (ISS). The Ax-2 crew will evaluate the vascularization of thick tissue in microgravity and the effectiveness of this platform technology for other tissue types.
Previous research on ISS using cells in low-Earth orbit included both 2D and small 3D cultures. The prior experiments have shown that cells exposed to microgravity undergo both genetic and functional changes, including increased motility and proliferation. Studying these larger tissue constructs during Ax-2 will help inform the researchers not only with regards to how the liver and kidney cells respond, but also as to how an endothelial coating of blood vessel cells will react to the microgravity environment.
To prepare for launch, liver and kidney tissue constructs will be bioprinted independently. To assist in the maturation of the tissues, samples will be placed on flow, continuously exposed to perfused media for five days prior to launch. They will then be placed in transparent cell-culture containers that provide a closed system in which to grow the cells while in orbit.
While the research is taking place on the ISS, WFIRM research associates will be monitoring a duplicate set of samples on Earth as ground control and will undergo the same processes as those on the ISS.
While the primary focus for the team is on creating tissue constructs that can be used as a bridge to transplantation, these tissue constructs can also be used as a model system for human disease and testing potential new therapies, as well as for studying health effects and developing potential countermeasures for astronauts who spend a significant amount of time in space.
DNA Nano Therapeutics
In collaboration with University of Connecticut, Eascra Biotech, and Advanced Solutions Life Sciences (ASLS)
Arthritis currently affects one in four adults in the US, and this number is rapidly increasing. To address this problem, Eascra Biotech has collaborated with Dr. Yupeng Chen and his team at the University of Connecticut to develop a DNA-inspired Janus Base nanomaterial (JBN). This versatile material can be easily assembled to produce a range of products with multiple therapeutic applications, including a new type of nanotube (JBNt), a room temperature-stable mRNA therapeutic delivery platform (JBNp), and an injectable matrix (JBNm) for cartilage repair and regeneration. Early studies on Earth have shown promising results for both JBNp and JBNm.
Dr. Chen and the Eascra team plan to conduct two experiments on Ax2, focusing on the formation of the foundational nanotube (JBNt) and the injectable matrix (JBNm). JBNp is planned to be produced at a later date after the Ax-2 mission has concluded aboard ISS using a handheld sonicator, and UV-vis spectrophotometer developed by Advanced Solutions Life Sciences. Validation of tools and initial manufacturing parameters in the precursor missions will inform future expanded in-space manufacturing missions. UV spectrophotometer data used initially for in-situ analysis during proof-of-concept studies, can also be incorporated into future in-line production measurement.
As InSPA awardees, they aim to accelerate their market entry and contribute to the development of the low Earth orbit (LEO) economy. Leveraging microgravity for rapid product optimization and greater uniformity, they hope to identify compelling science and business use cases that demonstrate the efficacy of the space environment for commercial purposes. Their goal is to establish strong working partnerships with both commercial entities and government agencies, and they intend to collaborate with Axiom Space and other partners to develop standard operating procedures (SOPs) for in-space product development and production manufacturing of commercial-grade nanomaterials for future therapeutic applications on Earth.
This is the team's first mission, and Axiom Space is contributing to the NASA-funded In-Space Production Applications project through the Ax-2 mission.
Credit: University of Connecticut
Stellar Stem Cells
In collaboration with Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute at Cedars-Sinai
During Ax-2, the crew will conduct research to explore whether microgravity can make it easier and more efficient to produce large batches of stem cells. This is the first of a series of missions supported by Axiom Space, for the first time, induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) will be manufactured in space by astronauts.
The Ax-2 crew will grow the stem cells on the ISS to see whether microgravity has any impact on the way the cells divide, as well as their ability to take up DNA. Subsequent missions will conduct the full iPSC production process.
An induced pluripotent stem cell is a very powerful type of cell that has been reprogrammed from an adult cell to go back in time to a powerful state of “pluripotency,” in which the cell can be turned into nearly any cell type found in the human body. Once in this state, it can then be developed into models of disease and used for tailored treatments.
However, one of the main issues with producing iPSCs on Earth may involve gravity-induced tension, which makes it hard for cells to expand and grow. In a low-gravity environment, this stress may no longer present a barrier, potentially making it easier for stem cells to multiply faster.
Credit: Cedars-Sinai
Update: As of June 13th 2023, the Saudi Space Commission (SSC) is now known as the Saudi Space Agency (SSA)