Date of Award
2025-08-01
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy
Department
Biomedical Engineering
Advisor(s)
Binata Joddar
Second Advisor
Sylvia Natividad-Diaz
Abstract
As space exploration begins to extend beyond low earth orbit, it has become increasingly critical to understand the interaction of the extreme environment of space flight with human systems. While it is known that space-travel induces a vast array of complications to cardiac, neural, musculoskeletal, and immune systems, the mechanisms by which these complications occur are poorly understood. Current research to study the effects of microgravity and radiation are limited to ground simulations, which rarely account for the multifactorial stressors experienced during spaceflight, or long duration studies aboard the International Space Station. Similarly, traditional two-dimensional (2D) models lack the ability to mimic the complex architectures of human physiological systems, thereby reducing their relevance to risks imposed by space travel. There currently exists no technology for the continual monitoring of human tissue systems exposed to extreme environments such as space travel. This work demonstrates the development of such a platform by integrating state-of-the-art MEA technology within a microfluidic device to create a device capable of continual, long-term electrophysiology (EPHYS) monitoring of human neuronal networks in 3D. Exposure of this device to suborbital flight and ionizing radiation successfully validated its use in extreme environmental conditions, while also providing insight into the components of neuronal function affected by microgravity and ionizing radiation including alterations to EPHYS activity, gene expression, and creatine kinase (CK) activity. This work presents novel advancements in the design and application of microfluidic technologies and monitoring of EPHYS activity, highlighting the benefits of its use in both extreme environments and ground-based studies to further our understanding of neuronal function in improving human health.
Language
en
Provenance
Received from ProQuest
Copyright Date
2025-08
File Size
104 p.
File Format
application/pdf
Rights Holder
Andie Padilla
Recommended Citation
Padilla, Andie, "Effects of Environmental Stressors on Human Tissue-on-a-Chip Platforms" (2025). Open Access Theses & Dissertations. 4431.
https://scholarworks.utep.edu/open_etd/4431