Research - Ground Research

Ground-based research in cellular biotechnology provides the tools and knowledge necessary to culture cells and tissues in continuous suspension while subjecting them to very low shear.  Comparison of results obtained from cells cultured under such conditions with those obtained from cultures conducted in flight research payloads further our understanding of the influence of microgravity upon cellular structures and functions.

The centerpiece of our program is the rotating wall vessel (RWV) bioreactor.  With this important tool, we shattered an old paradigm:  that the mass of cells and intracellular components is too insignificant to be affected by the loss of gravity.  Over the past decade, BSO investigators have continued to add to the list of accomplishments with the RVW:

BSO conducts research at laboratories located at Johnson Space Center and supports other investigations across the United States.  Some of this research will eventually have flight components (see Flight Investigations), but much of it stands alone, demonstrating the advantages of RWV bioreactors over conventional culturing methods.

BSO also supports related science and advanced technology, such as biosensor development (see Advanced Technology - Sensors).  A biosensor is a micro- or nanotechnology that merges a biological catalyst (such as bacteria) with integrated circuits to detect a range of chemical changes.  Diverse uses include detecting harmful biological agents in water systems or monitoring growth of cancerous cells in the human body.  BSO is also developing biosensors for use in bioreactors to provide real-time monitoring of cell cultures.

Learn more about BSO research through Current Ground Investigations, BSO Hardware, Publications, and Past Investigations.

BSO Laboratories

The JSC laboratories support research in the areas of molecular biology, molecular genetics, mammalian cell culture, immunology, tissue engineering, bioreporters / biosentinels, advanced sensors, and bioreactor engineering studies.  To learn more about the laboratories, follow the links below.

pH sensors like this one measure changes in pH levels that result from biochemical changes in the perfused culture media.

• Advanced Technology Development Laboratory
• Biotechnology Facility Science and Engineering Research and Development Laboratory
• Flight Definition Laboratory
• Cellular Movement and Signal Transduction Laboratory
• Musculoskeletal Tissue Engineering Laboratory
• Sensors and Controls Technology Development Laboratory
• NASA/NIH Center for Three-Dimensional Tissue Culture
• Cellular Environmental Toxicology and NeuroPhysiology Laboratory (CETNEP)
• Microencapsulation Laboratory

Learn more about Advanced Technology and Collaborating with BSO.

Current Ground Investigations

A majority of ground research is funded through NASA Research Announcements (NRAs), but research can be funded through other mechanisms as well.  Select a link below to see the complete listing for each area:

Please note that funding years are only the expected start date and may vary for some investigations.  The list of Past Ground Investigations contains all closed or inactive tasks that have been part of BSO.

Research Efforts

+ NRA-01-OBPR-08-B (2004)
+ NRA-00-HEDS-03 (2001)
+ NRA-97-HEDS-02 (1998)
+ NRA-96-OLMSA-03 (1997)
+ Cooperative Agreements
+ JSC Research