Development of a ground-based simulated experimental platform for gravitational biology

The purpose of this study is to develop a ground-based experimental platform which can provide a long-term, persistent, and stable weightless environment to provide technical support for the fundamental study of space life sciences. The platform included a superconducting magnet which can generate a large gradient high magnetic field, temperature control system, object stage, observing system, and gas control system. The platform can accurately measure and control comprehensive parameters, such as temperature, humidity, sample location, gravity level, and magnetic induction intensity. The biological experiment by means of the platform indicated that diamagnetic levitation affected cell morphology but had nonlethal effects on cell growth, which is consistent with the results of spaceflight. It suggests that the platform can meet the need of the simulated experimental conditions for gravitational biology research from molecule, cell, tissue, and organ to model animal.