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The goal of AstroCardia is to develop a human-derived, vascularised heart-on-chip model to ultimately assess the effects of cardiac ageing in space and determine its potential acceleration. And to develop a generic organ-on-chip platform for future missions to benefit from the unique environment of space. The project is led by a consortium of five Belgian (Flemish) entities, each bringing its expertise to the development of a heart-on-chip system to be sent to the ISS in late 2026.
Cardiovascular diseases are among the leading causes of mortality in Europe and age is a key risk factor. Developing better models of the cardiovascular system could help better understand the age-related alterations and subsequently lead to the establishment of countermeasures.
Space exposure is believed to accelerate heart ageing due to molecular effects induced by radiation and microgravity, particularly at the DNA level. These changes increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases, making space an important environment for further study.
That’s where AstroCardia comes into play! The AstroCardia consortium has been working on developing heart-on-chips, that are miniature heart models obtained by 3D bioprinting cardiac spheroids on Earth, using a specific type of bio ink. This project represents a first milestone to future personalised medicine applications, thanks to the fact that various patient-derived stem cells can be used for the generation of organ-on-chips, useful for studying and testing in space.
SCK CEN, one of the largest research institutions in Belgium, is contributing to the project with the establishment of iPSC-derived cardiomyocyte organoids. Bio Inx is responsible for the generation of the specific bio ink used for the 3D bioprinting on Earth and stimulating the differentiation of the cardiac cell constructs. QbD Group supports the process by defining critical parameters and investigates the options for future self-steering protocols. Antleron, an innovative R&D start-up from Leuven, is responsible for developing the lab-on-chips where the 3D bioprinted organoids will be cultured in space, thanks to Space Applications Services which will manufacture the hosting platform for culturing of the heart-on-chips and provide access to the space environment through the ICE Cubes Service.
This project is made possible thanks to the support of VLAIO, Flanders’s Innovation and Entrepreneurship Department, as ICON intercluster (Medvia & Flanders Space).
Make sure to explore the AstroCardia website to learn more about the research at the heart of the project, the consortium partners, their expertise and contribution. Check out the links below for more information.
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Flemish entities in the AstroCardia consortium
Image shows an early prototype, as exhibited at the Flanders Technology & Innovation Expo in 2024.