Establishment and Validation of a Novel Microgravity Simulation Platform for Ground-Based Animal Experiments

Ground-based analog models, such as the hindlimb unloading (HU) technique, have been used for several decades in simulating microgravity effects on musculoskeletal studies. However, this model has seen limited technological advancement in several aspects. Here, the design and validation of the Microgravity Simulated Platform (MSP), a refined evolution of the classic HU model, is presented. The multipurpose engineered MSP apparatus is designed to overcome key limitations of existing models by enabling simultaneous study of a larger number of mice in compact space, with fewer lesions, less inflammation, and central axis rotation control that offers potential for future hypergravity studies. This study presents a comparative analysis with the HU and normal WT (NOR) models and demonstrates that the MSP recapitulates the classic physiological markers of disuse observed during spaceflight, particularly in the musculoskeletal system. Critically, the results indicate that the MSP not only provides a comparable simulation of microgravity-induced effects but also offers enhancements in experimental consistency and animal well-being. In conclusion, the MSP represents a significant advancement in ground-based space life sciences research, providing a more refined, efficient, high-throughput, and extensible platform for elucidating the pathophysiological mechanisms of mechanical unloading and for testing prospective countermeasures.