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\t\t\t\t\t\t19\/12\/2024<\/span> A team of researchers from two universities in the Philippines made use of ESA\u2019s Large Diameter Centrifuge to test the growth of bone cells in hypergravity. The results of their experiment could improve bone implant technology, as well as help support seaweed farming communities across the country.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n A team of four researchers from two Catholic educational institutions located on neighbouring islands in the Philippines\u00a0\u2013 the\u00a0University of San Carlos in Cebu City and Holy Name University in Tagbilaran City\u00a0\u2013 form the latest research group to take their experiments for a spin in ESTEC\u2019s hypergravity-generating Large Diameter Centrifuge.<\/p>\n The researchers are testing how bioprinted bone cells respond to increased gravity. Their cell cultures are grown on 3D-printed scaffolds made from carrageenan, a carbohydrate extracted from red seaweed farmed in the tropics. The material is already widely used as a food additive, because of its thickening and stabilising properties. The team believes that carrageenan also has potential to make stronger scaffolds for bioprinted bone generation \u2013 and that hypergravity might be an added ingredient to stimulate growth in bone cells.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n Based at ESA\u2019s ESTEC technical centre in the Netherlands, the LDC is a four-arm centrifuge of 8\u00a0m in diameter that gives researchers access to a range of hypergravity levels up to 20 times Earth gravity for weeks or months at a time.<\/p>\n At its fastest, the centrifuge rotates at up to 67 revs per minute, with its six gondolas placed at different points along its arms weighing in at 130 kg, and each capable of accommodating 80 kg of payload.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n LDC access was arranged through HyperGES, part of the Access to Space for All initiative sponsored by ESA and the United Nations Office of Outer Space Affairs, UNOOSA.<\/p>\n Team leader Dr. Rommel Bacabac from the University of San Carlos explains: \u201cWe developed a\u00a0\u2018bio-ink\u2019 from red seaweed for the 3D printing of artificial bone tissues. Using this material, we 3D printed a scaffold for bone cells to grow on \u2013 this scaffold recreates a collagen structure which serves as the foundation of a bone in nature. We are simulating this structure with carrageenan, which can be tuned to mimic similar mechanical properties.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n \u201cWe are directly inspired by a group of researchers which tested the growth of bone cells on glass slides in hypergravity \u2013 their results suggested that hypergravity serves as a source of stress to activate genes that make the cells grow faster. Our experiment is similar, but with the addition of the 3D-printed scaffolds.<\/p>\n \u201cWith the large centrifuge, we can subject our cell samples to a much more uniform field of acceleration than we could with conventional centrifuges that are much smaller in diameter.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n The team subjected their bone cell samples to three different conditions: 24\u00a0hours at 15\u00a0G (15 times Earth gravity), three days at 7.5\u00a0G, and ended with a quick one-hour spin at the same g levels.<\/p>\n Their experiment will generate two sets of data, one containing the levels of gene expression \u2013 meaning which genes were switched on or off in the cells during the experiment \u2013 and one with images of the cells made using a special microscope.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n \u201cBack in the Philippines, we will analyse the imaging data to examine the size and shape of the cells. The gene expression data will be analysed by our collaborators at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam and the University of Amsterdam,\u201d says Rommel. \u201cIf hypergravity proves to be stimulating for the growth of cells on scaffolds, we could apply this technique to other bio-inks we are developing, for example for muscle, skin or pancreatic tissue.\u201d<\/p>\n By using seaweed as the main ingredient of their bio-ink, the team are developing functional material from their local marine resources. Rommel comments: \u201cRed seaweed grows only in tropical areas and it is one of the major exports of our country. We are collaborating with a local producer of carrageenan extracted from seaweed. Today they mainly export it as a food additive, but are interested in expanding its use to tissue engineering and other medical applications.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n Team member Dr. Hyacinth Suarez, marine biologist at Holy Name University, adds: \u201cThe red seaweed we use is sourced locally by farmers in the Philippines. This means that if we could make bone implants using carrageenan, it would not only have the potential to improve tissue implant technology, but it would also support local communities that rely on seaweed farming.\u201d<\/p>\n Mami Sasamura of UNOOSA\u2019s Space Applications Section comments: \u201cI was impressed by how the Philippines team has been progressing with their experiment, cooperating with local partners and handling unforeseen situations as they arise. I also appreciate ESA\u2019s flexibility in accommodating some changes on-site. It\u2019s a team with great teamwork, and I\u2019m looking forward to the experiment results.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n \u201cPast teams of the programme have conducted biological experiments \u2013 such as investigating the effect of hypergravity on plants, small organisms, or red blood cells \u2013 intended to support space exploration missions and life on Earth.<\/p>\n \u201cThe teams selected through this programme do not only get access to one of the most unique facilities in the world to conduct their experiments, but also to an opportunity to build capacity and gain experience and knowledge. We hope that the participants will use their experience gained in the programme to lead the scientific community of the future.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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