Background: With the dawn of the space age in the 1960’s and the increased interest in commercial deep-space exploration, understanding the effects of zero-gravity on humans is paramount. Microgravity in space has been shown to negatively affect the health of astronauts after extended periods of time. To understand this impact, in-vitro approaches have focused on the RPM, which consists of two independently-driven axes that stimulates microgravity by the random motion of both axes. The RPM device is costly, and the design is not optimal for research laboratories. Given these limitations, there is a need to ideate and prototype unique RPM machines for research only applications.
Aim & Objective: Our lab is interested in the role of RNA in cancer with a focus on head and neck malignancies. The project will design and build a low-cost RPM device to investigate the effects of gravity on cancer cells. This device will rotate on both axes at different rates to simulate microgravity in space and on Mars.
Method: First, CAD modelling and FEA simulation were used to validate our RPM design. Fused Filament Fabrication was used for construction of the RPM. This is a cost-effective approach and employs 3D printing to build the frame. We then wrote and tested the algorithm which controls the RPM to simulate different gravities. The final device was tested to ensure robust microgravity simulations at different temperatures over specific times.
Results: A proof-of-concept prototype has been designed and vetted at various microgravity. Our approach using CAD and 3D printing is cost-effective delivering an RPM device suitable for most laboratories. The thermoplastic materials can withstand long-term use at varying temperatures.
Conclusion: The development of a low-cost RPM is needed in our future understanding of microgravity effects. We designed and 3D printed a functional RPM device that is robust and accurately stimulates microgravity. This device can be used to understand the genetic changes in mammalian cells during extended space travel.