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Culturing Lymphocytes in Simulated Microgravity Using a Rotary Cell Culture System
Published on: August 25, 2022
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Evaluation of techniques for performing cellular isolation and preservation during microgravity conditions
Lindsay F Rizzardi1, Hawley Kunz2, Kathleen Rubins3
1Center for Epigenetics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
NPJ Microgravity
|July 21, 2017
Summary
Astronauts can now purify human blood cells in space using specialized pipettes. This breakthrough enables advanced genomic and epigenomic research on the International Space Station (ISS), expanding scientific possibilities during extraterrestrial missions.
Area of Science:
- Space biology
- Genomics and epigenomics
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Genomic and epigenomic studies necessitate precise microliter liquid handling for sample purification (DNA, RNA, protein).
- Cellular isolation from human blood is crucial for accurate epigenomic and transcriptional analyses, especially in space where sample handling is limited.
- Current International Space Station (ISS) protocols lack methods for isolating and preserving specific blood cell types, hindering complex biological research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the feasibility of adapting terrestrial cell purification techniques for use in microgravity conditions on the ISS.
- To identify suitable pipetting hardware and methods for handling biological fluids, including human blood, in space.
- To enable advanced genomic and epigenomic research by astronauts on the ISS and future extraterrestrial missions.
Main Methods:
- Simulated microgravity experiments using parabolic atmospheric flight.
- Evaluation of various pipettor types with analog-blood fluids to assess liquid handling in microgravity.
- Testing pipetting procedures for peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) isolation using density-gradient centrifugation.
- Validation of magnetic cell purification techniques.
Main Results:
- Positive-displacement pipettors effectively managed air bubbles and surface tension of liquids in microgravity.
- Successful adaptation of terrestrial PBMC isolation and magnetic purification protocols for microgravity.
- Demonstrated feasibility of precise liquid transfers essential for genomic and epigenomic sample preparation in space.
Conclusions:
- Developed and validated protocols for cell purification in microgravity, overcoming previous limitations on the ISS.
- These advancements significantly expand the scope of biological research, including genomic and epigenomic studies, that can be conducted in space.
- Enables astronauts to perform complex biological experiments and improvised research during space missions.
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