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The study of microgravity’s effects on cells has become increasingly significant as long-duration space missions become more likely. Since actual microgravity environments, such as aboard the International Space Station (ISS), are expensive and logistically complex, ground-based simulation tools like clinostats are crucial. In this article, we discuss a recent study by Kim et al. published in Nature, emphasizing the role of clinostats, specifically the integration of plasma-treated PDMS (polydimethylsiloxane) clinostat petri dishes, to study cell behavior under simulated microgravity conditions.
Simulated Microgravity and Its Impact on Cells
Microgravity refers to the condition where gravitational forces are minimal, allowing objects and cells to experience a “weightless” environment. This phenomenon can profoundly affect biological systems, altering cell morphology, proliferation, differentiation, gene expression, and signaling pathways. Microgravity conditions can simulate environments encountered during long-term spaceflights, which can alter physiological systems, including the immune system, skeletal structure, and cardiovascular performance. On a cellular level, microgravity reduces mechanical tension, influences cytoskeletal remodeling, and shifts how cells interact with their surrounding extracellular matrix (ECM).
Understanding how cells respond to microgravity is critical for space biology research. Findings provide insights into potential spaceflight-induced health risks, such as reduced bone density and impaired immune functions. Furthermore, such knowledge can be repurposed for advanced therapies on Earth, such as cancer research and tissue engineering, where microgravity-like environments have shown promise in achieving more physiologically relevant outcomes in vitro.
Role of Clinostats in Microgravity Simulation
Clinostats are rotary devices designed to simulate microgravity by continuously altering the orientation of a biological sample relative to the gravitational vector. By rotating cell cultures around one or more axis, the cells experience a dynamic, low-gravity environment that mitigates the effects of sedimentation and unidirectional gravitational forces. This continuous rotation disrupts the cell’s ability to sense and respond to gravity, closely mimicking the effects of microgravity in orbit.
The clinostat’s reliability heavily depends on the materials used in its construction. Specifically, petri dishes crafted from PDMS have proven invaluable due to their biocompatibility, optical transparency, and structural flexibility. However, native PDMS surfaces are inherently hydrophobic, which can impede cell adherence and nutrient diffusion.
Plasma-Treated PDMS Clinostat Dishes
The researchers utilized plasma treatment to construct PDMS clinostat dishes by bonding PDMS to glass after a 30-second, 18 W air plasma exposure. In addition to enabling bonding, plasma treatment transformed the PDMS’s surface from hydrophobic to hydrophilic, promoting cell adhesion. To further support cell culture, the plasma treated glass slide was coated with gelatin.
In summary, plasma treatment played a pivotal role in fabricating PDMS clinostat dishes by modifying their surface properties to enhance cell adhesion and ensure optimal growth conditions. These dishes were specifically designed to simulate microgravity, allowing researchers to study its effects on cells with improved consistency and physiological relevance. By combining the precision of clinostat design with plasma-enhanced cell culture conditions, this study sets a significant foundation for advancing microgravity research and understanding its implications for both terrestrial and space-based medical applications.
PDMS Clinostat Article
Kim, D., Nguyen, Q. T. T., Lee, S., Choi, K., Lee, E., & Park, J. Y. (2023). Customized small-sized clinostat using 3D printing and gas-permeable polydimethylsiloxane culture dish. Npj Microgravity, 9(1). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41526-023-00311-1