Space biotechnology and tissue engineering

Space biology is an emerging and interdisciplinary subject that is developing in tandem with human space exploration activities, especially manned space exploration. Important discoveries and research made in the field not only have importance in supporting the missions of manned space exploration but also in serving humans on Earth. Space biotechnology is one of the most active frontiers of scientific research and technological development representing advanced technology in biology and space science. The greater exploration of space by humans needs extended stays in space and therefore requires a better understanding of the impact of the space environment on the human body. As such, the development of space cell culture and tissue engineering can provide the basis for studying the biological effects of space conditions on cells and can not only help better understand the space and cell interactions but also facilitate the development of special drugs for the treatment of disease. Therefore, this chapter discusses the technology that can be used in space as well as on Earth to culture cells and engineer tissues to study the effect of space conditions, such as microgravity and radiation.