Microgravity Tissue Engineering

A continuing program of research and development focuses on engineering of functional cartilage and cardiac muscle for scientific research and for eventual use in transplants. The program involves the use of cells, polymer scaffolds, and bioreactor vessels. A polymer scaffold serves as a three-dimensional structure to which cells can attach. Once attached, the cells can regenerate full tissues, and then the polymer scaffold becomes biodegraded when no longer needed. A bioreactor provides an appropriate environment and physiological signals during the development of tissues.