Axiom-1 RAKIA - Bone-forming and skeletal muscle cells under microgravity

Spaceflight is not only challenging from an engineering point of view, it also poses significant threats to the human body, and to biological creatures in general. Prolonged exposure to microgravity and the space environment takes a toll on muscle mass and bone density, on the circulatory system and physiological functions, while space radiation can damage our DNA and affect the cardiovascular system. Understanding how all these effects can be mitigated, and even reversed, is crucial as we venture out into deep space, beyond LEO.

During the RAKIA mission on Axiom-1, Amorphical studied the use of Amorphous Calcium Carbonate to improve bone and muscle cell growth during space travel.

Amorphical’s Stabilized Amorphous Calcium Carbonate (ACC) has shown unique properties, which are driven by both of its ionic components (calcium and carbonate), molecular structure, (amorphous), and size (nanoparticles).

The goal of the experiment was to show that both bone-forming cells (osteoblasts) and muscle cells (myocytes) cultured in the presence of Amorphous Calcium Carbonate (ACC) would manifest better proliferation & differentiation under micro-gravity conditions compared to cells without ACC. These findings may help prevent the loss of bone and muscle mass and facilitate future space projects, in view of prolonged space missions and future space settlements.

The space experiment utilized SpacePharma‘s SPIC minilab, an automated device for cell culture. In brief, cells were cultured in a microfluidic chip, in which the medium was periodically and automatically refreshed, while the temperature was controlled and maintained. Additionally, the system is equipped with microscopic imaging capability in real time. The SPIC minilab was accommodated in the ICE Cubes Facility of ESA’s Columbus module, receiving power and real-time data transfer to ground.

The publication of their findings on “Amorphous Calcium Carbonate enhances osteogenic differentiation and myotube formation of human bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells and primary skeletal muscle cells under microgravity conditions” can be accessed here.

Explore the links and related articles below to find out more about the research conducted during the RAKIA mission on Ax-1.