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Completed TRL 2 (started at 2, targeting 3)
Stem cells can be called SuperCells because it has remarkable potential to develop into many different cell types in the body. It can treat diseases such as degenerative, immunological and inflammation diseases. The potential uses of stem cells are shown in the figure on page 3. The processed stem cells can last approximately 6 weeks in 37 ºC and 6 months in -85 ºC. Stem cells exist in our body, such as fat and bone marrow, etc. In 3-inch sphere fat, one million stem cells can be harvested. Since stem cells can be derived from own body, it is less likely to be rejected by the immune system. This ICA develops tools to harvest, process, maintain such SuperCells for astronauts. Stem cell therapy is relatively new and challenging branch of medicine. However, it has potential to save lives or repair wounds and tissue damage in astronauts.
To maximize potential use of stem cells, freezing containers and delivery system must be developed. Stem cells can last 6 months in -85 ºC, but the cells are easily damaged if slow temperature reduction to the target temperature cannot be achieved. The ideal temperature rate is -1 ºC per minute. Existing COT freezing containers takes up much space in a small freezer. Reducing the size of container is needed for limited freezer space. Next, if stem cells to be injected to a specific layer of body surface, a syringe that can identify correct depth is needed. There are more tools needed to harvest, process, maintain stem cells, but two tools mentioned above are focused in this ICA.
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