The Benefits of Stem Cell Biology and Tissue Engineering in Low-Earth Orbit.

Abstract

Over the past 15 years, there has been a significant shift in biomedical research toward a major focus on stem cell research. Although stem cells and their derivatives exhibit potential in modeling and mitigating human diseases, the ongoing objective is to enhance their utilization and translational potential. Stem cells are increasingly employed in both academic and commercial settings for a variety of in vitro and in vivo applications in regenerative medicine. Notably, accessibility to stem cell research in low-Earth orbit (LEO) has expanded, driven by the unique properties of space, such as microgravity, which cannot exactly be replicated on Earth. As private enterprises continue to grow and launch low-orbit payloads alongside government-funded spaceflight, space has evolved into a more viable destination for scientific exploration. This review underscores the potential benefits of microgravity on fundamental stem cell properties, highlighting the adaptability of cells to their environment and emphasizing physical stimuli as a key factor influencing cultured cells. Previous studies suggest that stimuli such as magnetic fields, shear stress, or gravity impact not only cell kinetics, including differentiation and proliferation, but also therapeutic effects such as cells with improved immunosuppressive capabilities or the ability to identify novel targets to refine disease treatments. With the rapid progress and sustained advocacy for space research, we propose that the advantageous properties of LEO create novel opportunities in biomanufacturing for regenerative medicine, spanning disease modeling, the development of stem cell-derived products, and biofabrication.