Research and Development of Cell Culture Devices Aboard the Chinese Space Station

Abstract

Unprecedented experimental conditions were provided for research in space biology following the completion of the Chinese Space Station. The next decade is predicted to witness considerable developments in this subject. Space cell culture is a crucial experimental technique in space biology. The Cell Tissue Culture Experiment Module (CTCEM) aboard the space station's Biotechnology Experiment Rack is customized equipment designed for the microgravity environment in space. It provides suitable culture conditions for cell growth, including temperature and CO₂ concentration control, automatic liquid exchange, and automated observation via visible light microscopy, fluorescence microscopy, and laser confocal microscopy. The Tianzhou-5 Launch Cell Life Support Module (LCLSM) was developed to meet the requirements for transporting samples for space station cell experiments. This device can provide the required temperature, CO₂ concentration, and nutrient solution replacement for cell experiment sample transportation. It also stores cells during ground transportation, launches, and in-orbit flights to ensure that they arrive at a space station with good physiological conditions. This article describes space cell bioreactors, the detailed functions and usage methods of CTCEM and LCLSM, and discusses the entire process of transporting cells to the space station and conducting space cell culture experiments through the TZ5 mission.