A biosensory μvessel-gravity device for advancing vascular analysis in space medicine

Studying vascular responses to microgravity (MG) poses significant challenges in space medicine due to the limitations of conventional cell culture and animal models. To address these challenges, we have developed an innovative biosensory μvessel-gravity device that integrates organ-on-a-chip technology, 3D printing, and a 3D clinostat. This device enables cell interaction monitoring and flow shear stress modeling, thereby allowing accurate blood vessel cell sensory to changed mechanical environment. Our study reveals that simulated MG induces senescence in endothelial cells (ECs) and vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) within mono-cultured μvessels. Interestingly, co-culturing ECs and VSMCs in the μvessel mitigates EC senescence, although VSMC senescence remains unaffected. Furthermore, the application of continuous flow shear stress delays EC senescence and enhances tight junction integrity under MG conditions, underscoring the importance of incorporating mechanical factors into the device. Knocking down the mechanosensor Piezo1 in VSMCs delays senescence in both VSMCs and ECs under MG, highlighting the critical role of mechanosensors in vascular responses to MG. The biosensory μvessel-gravity device presents an innovative in vitro model designed to sense vascular changes induced by gravitational forces, effectively replicating the pro-aging effects of MG on vascular tissues. This holds significant potential for advancing research in aging-related vascular diseases.