POS8-0846
Neutral Buoyancy-Based Simulated Microgravity Enhances Angiogenic Potential of MSC/HUVEC Spheroids
Topic
S8. Frontiers of Functional Polymers in Biology and Medicine
When and Where
Sep 30, 2026
08:30 - 09:30
Room 301 (Grand Ballroom)
Session Chairs
Heesuk KIM
Jinhye BAE
Presenter(s)
Yujung Choi (Department of Nanobiomedical Science, Dankook University, Cheonan 31116, Korea)
Co-Author(s)
Abstract
The development of three-dimensional (3D) artificial tissues/organs is frequently limited to sub-millimeter scales due to insufficient vascularization. In particular, poor oxygen and nutrient supply within implanted constructs leading to low tissue survival after transplantation. Although various strategies such as 3D scaffold, supplying growth factors, and co-culture system (stromal cells and endothelial cells) have been widely investigated to promote angiogenesis, the formation of stable and functional vascular network remains a major challenge. Microgravity (μg) has recently emerged as a promising biophysical stimulus capable of modulating cellular behavior. Previous studies have demonstrated that microgravity activates angiogenesis-related signaling pathways, such as PI3K/Akt/eNOS, resulting in the upregulation of key vascular markers and enhanced endothelial network formation. These findings suggest that microgravity may provide a favorable microenvironment for generating highly angiogenic cellular constructs. In this study, we fabricated mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) spheroids and stimulated the environment using a neutral buoyancy-based simulated microgravity platform to enhanced angiogenic potential. Various MSC-to-HUVEC ratios were evaluated under simulated microgravity conditions to identify an optimal cellular composition for vascular network formation. The angiogenic characteristics of the spheroids were assessed through immunostaining and molecular analysis.
Keywords: Microgravity, Neutral buoyancy, Cell spheroids, Angiogenesis, Vascularization
Keywords: Microgravity, Neutral buoyancy, Cell spheroids, Angiogenesis, Vascularization
