Micro-gRx, Ronawk, and University of Florida Collaborate on Translational Research in Advanced Tissue Engineering Aboard the International Space Station

*Orlando, FL* – Micro-gRx, in partnership with Ronawk and the University of Florida, is excited to announce a collaboration on an innovative tissue engineering experiment. The study will advance in-space three-dimensional cell culture processes and study the effects of microgravity on heart and skin vascular remodeling. The partners will work with Redwire Space to implement their experiment on the International Space Station (ISS). The award to Micro-gRx, a company based in Orlando, Florida, is supported by the National Science Foundation (NSF) in collaboration with the Center for the Advancement of Science in Space (CASIS). The research partners seek to translate bench science to in-space production and bring the benefits of space-based research back to Earth. “The award marks a significant milestone in space biology for a small space company,” said Dr. Siobhan Malany, founder of Micro-gRx and a faculty member at the University of Florida.

This upcoming experiment will be Micro-gRx’s sixth mission to the ISS, further solidifying its role as a leader in supporting space-based biological research. The company will leverage Ronawk’s Bio-Block technology combined with Dr. Maddalena Parafati’s expertise in space research and stem cell derived cell signaling, as principal investigator at the University of Florida, to explore new frontiers in tissue engineering in microgravity on ISS.

“Our approach is to grow three-dimensional tissue or “organoids” from heart and skin stem cells in Ronawk’s functionalized Bio-Blocks that mimic the cells’ natural environment,” says Dr. Parafati. With a keen focus on innovation, the partners plan to customize the Bio-Block to support the formation of blood vessel-like microchannels around the organoids to effectively simulate vascularization. The pioneering study will use these tissue surrogates as cell culture platforms to investigate the effects of microgravity and radiation on heart and skin vascular remodeling that may mimic what occurs in disease and aging. Additionally, the research will interrogate the quality of organoid-secreted particles called extracellular vesicles produced in space. Cells release extracellular vesicles to communicate with other cells and send cues to form new blood vessels. “The ultimate goal of this study is to identify countermeasures that will not only protect astronauts in deep space but promise to improve vascular health on Earth”, said Dr. Parafati.

“Bio-Blocks and space-based stem cell culture are a perfect pairing. The opportunity to work with Micro-gRx and the University of Florida to make a customized Bio-Block that allows for continuous, expandable tissue-like structures on the ISS is unique and meaningful,” said Heather Decker, Ronawk co-founder and CTO.

“This collaboration represents a convergence of technology and scientific inquiry that could lead to transformative advancements in biomedical research,” said Dr. Malany. “We are thrilled to continue our journey in space research with such esteemed partners.”

Micro-gRx is a biospace company focusing on supporting biological research in space. With a commitment to advancing human health, Micro-gRx has successfully conducted multiple experiments aboard the ISS with their microfluidic devices, making significant contributions to the field of space biology.

Mario Garcia

Media Specialist

(858) 353-1862

Ronawk is a leader in tissue engineering and the creation of innovative technologies that enable the culture of complex tissue-like models for research and therapeutic applications. Ronawk’s mission is to ask, “How have you served science today?” Our goal is to serve science by letting the cells translate the conversation.

Ronawk created Bio-Blocks™ (a 3D printed hydrogel) to address today’s micro-physiological challenges that limit tomorrow’s research. Ronawk’s Bio-Blocks recapitulate real physiology with the goal of streamlining the BioPharma industry by increasing physiological accuracy, reproducibility, and consistency.

Scott Leigh

Chief Business Development Officer

(913) 302-4792

Find us online at ronawk.com, on Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram and LinkedIn.

Redwire Corporation (NYSE:RDW) is a global space infrastructure and innovation company enabling civil, commercial, and national security programs. Redwire’s proven and reliable capabilities include avionics, sensors, power solutions, critical structures, mechanisms, radio frequency systems, platforms, missions, and microgravity payloads. Redwire combines decades of flight heritage and proven experience with an agile and innovative culture. Redwire’s approximately 700 employees working from 16 facilities located throughout the United States and Europe are committed to building a bold future in space for humanity, pushing the envelope of discovery and science while creating a better world on Earth. For more information, please visit redwirespace.com.

Emily Devine

External Communications Manager

(305) 632-9137