Stress in a Microgravity Bioreactor

This project involves the design and development of a cell stretching bioreactor device that can work in conjunction with a Random Positioning Machine (RPM) apparatus. Microgravity environments, such as in space, have been shown to induce alterations in cellular development due to inadequate mechanical loading of biological tissue. Because of this, long-term spaceflight has led to many health concerns, including osteoporosis and muscle atrophy. Space travel is rare and costly, making this research difficult to conduct, however; techniques to simulate microgravity on Earth can be achieved by using a Random Positioning Machine. This device has been a beneficial tool used to study the effect gravity has on cellular growth, yet certain tissues in the body, such as bone and muscle, require mechanical stress, strain, and mechanical loading to develop properly. Because of this, a device that can induce strain on cells while subjected to microgravity conditions is needed to further improve cellular research for space exploration. The constructed bioreactor consists of 3D printed and custom-made components that can induce uniaxial cyclic strain on cells adhered to an elastic membrane. Validation and testing of the device have shown that this bioreactor is suitable for cellular experimentation to work in conjunction with an RPM to deliver a controlled amount of strain while under microgravity conditions.

Grantor dc:publisher

Temple University. Libraries

Year dc:date.issued

2021

Author dc:creator

• Kramarenko, George

Advisors dc:contributor.advisor

• Lelkes, Peter I.
• Har-el, Yah-el

Committee members dc:contributor.committeemember

• Lelkes, Peter I.
• Har-el, Yah-el
• Wang, Karin

• Bioengineering
• Biomedical engineering
• 3D Printing
• Bioreactor
• Cell stretching
• Mechanical strain
• Microgravity
• Osteoblasts

Statement dc:rights

• IN COPYRIGHT- This Rights Statement can be used for an Item that is in copyright. Using this statement implies that the organization making this Item available has determined that the Item is in copyright and either is the rights-holder, has obtained permission from the rights-holder(s) to make their Work(s) available, or makes the Item available under an exception or limitation to copyright (including Fair Use) that entitles it to make the Item available.

Licence dc:rights.uri

• http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/

Language dc:language.iso

eng

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12613/6574

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:scholarshare.temple.edu:20.500.12613/6574