The Polymer Society of Korea

김호용 (단국대학교)

오세행 (단국대학교)

The development of three-dimensional (3D) artificial tissues/organs using tissue engineering is a very promising technology. However, the dimension of artificial tissue is often constrained to sub-millimeter scales due to limited vascularization. Co-culturing mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) with endothelial cells (ECs) has shown promise in promoting vascular development, yet achieving rapid and sufficient angiogenesis remains a challenge. Interestingly, studies have demonstrated that microgravity (μg) environments can stimulate angiogenic processes via cytoskeletal reorganization. In this study, we developed MSC/EC spheroids using a simulated microgravity platform based on neutral buoyancy to enhance angiogenic activity. We investigated various cell ratios to identify optimal conditions for angiogenesis under simulated μg. Angiogenic gene expression and marker levels under simulated μg were compared with the 1g environment through qRT-PCR and immunofluorescence staining.