Regenerative Cell Populations for Spaceflight Bone Density Preservation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Space travel leads to bone density loss due to microgravity and space radiation, causing adverse health effects such as inflammation, muscle atrophy, and increased susceptibility to infections, for which existing countermeasures are inadequate.
Innovation Solution
Administration of regenerative cell populations, including stem cells and their precursors, to promote osteoblast activity, inhibit osteoclast activity, and mitigate inflammation, thereby protecting bone density and marrow from the effects of microgravity and radiation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If astronauts are exposed to microgravity and space radiation during space travel, then they can achieve space exploration objectives, but they suffer from bone density loss, muscle atrophy, and inflammation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by administering regenerative cell populations (such as mesenchymal stem cells) to astronauts before or during space travel to prevent bone density loss. The cells are prepared and introduced in advance to counteract the harmful effects of microgravity and radiation before significant bone loss occurs, rather than treating the condition after it develops.
Solution Approach 2:
The regenerative cell populations serve as an intermediary between the harmful space environment (microgravity and radiation) and the astronaut's bone tissue. These cells act as mediators that absorb the harmful effects and promote bone regeneration, protecting the bone structure from direct damage while enabling continued space exploration.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If regenerative cell populations are administered to prevent bone density loss, then bone health is improved, but the complexity of the countermeasure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The regenerative cell populations exhibit self-service characteristics by autonomously migrating to affected bone tissues and differentiating into osteoblasts to promote bone regeneration. The cells self-organize and self-differentiate without requiring complex external control systems, reducing the overall system complexity while maintaining effective bone protection.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are means, methods and compositions of matter useful for prevention of space flight associated bone density loss. In one embodiment, the invention provides cellular populations capable of suppressing osteoclast function and/or stimulating osteoblast activity. The use of mesenchymal stem cell populations alone, or more preferably, selected by expression of CD56 protein are disclosed. Cells may be administered systemically, or locally through the use of various matrices disclosed in this invention.