Photobiomodulation on In Vivo and In Vitro Wound Models Under Simulated Microgravity for Future Space Travel

Overview

Studies on astronauts in space show that microgravity disrupts the delicate balance of processes required for wound healing, slowing it down or even stopping it completely in space. This presents a serious risk for long-term space travel. In this study, the use of photobiomodulation (PBM), where 600-800nm light is used to stimulate cellular processes, was investigated as a novel means to speed up wound healing in normal and simulated microgravity conditions. Planarians were selected as a model for tissue regeneration and exposed to PBM treatments varied in wavelength and fluence. The results showed a 47.1% increased blastema growth rate when treated with PBM (660nm, 0.36J/cm^2) in normal gravity. To simulate a microgravity environment, a low-cost 3D clinostat was constructed. The procedure was repeated in the 3D clinostat, showing a 95.2% increase in blastema growth rate when exposed to the same PBM treatment. To determine the effectiveness of PBM on human cells, a scratch wound closure assay on cell line DU145 was performed, demonstrating a 29.4% increase in cell migration rate with PBM(660 nm 0.36J/cm^2). PBM treatment outcomes exhibited dose dependence, with an optimal treatment consisting of 5 minutes of 660nm red light exposure(0.36J/cm^2). Fluences of light greater than or less than 0.36J/cm^2 were significantly less effective in both wound models. The results suggested that PBM could be a superior, more economical solution for wound healing in space or even on Earth.

Awards (2)

• Second Award of $2,000 $2,000
• NASA: 1st Prize

Competition history

• ISEF 2024 Translational Medical Science · Entry TMED035 · Los Angeles, California, United States

Resources

• ISEF abstract page ↗

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