Chapter 13: When Earth Is Not Enough: Lab-on-a-chip Accelerating Space Research Check Access

The popularity of lab-on-a-chip (LOC) instruments for space research has grown notably in recent times. The subject of space biology has become an especially interesting area in which the application of LOCs is expected to bring measurable benefits. The opportunity to investigate the behaviour of biological samples in microgravity and radiation conditions, utilizing reliable LOC instrumentation, provides new knowledge on specific and hitherto unknown cellular mechanisms. This, in turn, opens the way towards the development of novel biomedical methodologies and therapeutic strategies. This chapter reports on recent space-related research that has been conducted utilizing microfluidic technologies. The content covers investigations conducted on the International Space Station, as well as during satellites missions. Current knowledge regarding studies in simulated microgravity environments is also presented. The chapter ends with a discussion and provides perspectives for potential future applications of miniaturized LOC devices which corresponds to National Aeronautics and Space Administration and European Space Agency roadmaps.