Sponge Matrix Research Articles

Gold Nanowire Sponge Electrochemistry for Permeable Wearable Sweat Analysis Comfortably and Wirelessly.

Electrochemistry-based wearable and wireless sweat analysis is emerging as a promising noninvasive method for real-time health monitoring by tracking chemical and biological markers without the need for invasive blood sampling. It offers the potential to remotely monitor human sweat conditions in relation to metabolic health, stress, and electrolyte balance, which have implications for athletes, patients with chronic conditions, and individuals for the early detection and management of health issues. The state-of-the-art mainstream technology is dominated by the concept of a wearable microfluidic chip, typically based on elastomeric PDMS. While outstanding sensing performance can be realized, the design suffers from the poor permeability of PDMS, which could cause skin redness or irritation. Here, we introduce an omnidirectionally permeable, deformable, and wearable sweat analysis system based on gold nanowire sponges. We demonstrate the concept of all-in-one soft sponge electrochemistry, where the working, reference, and counter electrodes and electrolytes are all integrated within the sponge matrix. The intrinsic porosity of sponge in conjunction with vertically aligned gold nanowire electrodes gives rise to a high electrochemically active surface area of ∼67 cm2. Remarkably, this all-in-one sponge-based electrochemical system exhibited stable performance under a pressure of 10 kPa and 300% omnidirectional strain. The gold sponge biosensing electrodes could be sandwiched between two biocompatible sweat pads, which can serve as natural sweat collection and outflow layers. This naturally biocompatible and permeable platform can be integrated with wireless communication circuits, leading to a wireless sweat analysis system for the real-time monitoring of glucose, lactate, and pH during exercise.

Tailored alginate sponges loaded with κ-carrageenan beads for controlled release of curcumin

This study presents an innovative approach to develop and characterize an alginate sponge containing κ-carrageenan (κ-CRG) beads loaded with curcumin. The beads were fabricated using varying concentrations of κ-CRG, and their properties were extensively evaluated using inverted phase-contrast microscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), FTIR, swelling behavior, mass distribution, encapsulation efficiency, in vitro drug release and kinetics of drug release. Beads formulated with specific concentrations of κ-CRG that exhibited optimal performance were then integrated into an alginate sponge matrix, which underwent similar comprehensive testing procedures as the individual beads. The characterized beads displayed a spherical morphology, a notable swelling degree of approximately 146 %, excellent mass uniformity, encapsulation efficiencies higher than 90 % and drug release rate exceeding 70 %. Moreover, the alginate sponge formulation demonstrated a satisfactory drug release profile of 67.9 ± 0.6 %. In terms of drug release kinetics, the Higuchi model was the most effective in explaining the release of curcumin from beads and sponge. These findings underscore the potential of both the beads and the sponge as effective vehicles for the controlled delivery of curcumin, positioning them as promising candidates for pharmaceutical applications across various fields.

An integrative warning-protection shear thickened composite sponge towards sensing performance and impact resistance with excellent flame retardant

The mechanical shock and thermal damage generally exist together in hazardous environment, whereas traditional single protective materials are difficult to achieve all-round protection under extreme environment. Herein, to realize the integration of multifunctional abilities about impact resistance, flame-retardant and sensing performance, a “solid-liquid host-guest” structural shear thickened composite sponge is proposed, which flame-retardant shear thickening fluids with an extraordinary thickening ratio of 2183.95 % continuously disperse in 3D sponge matrix. The resulting composite sponge effectively attenuates the impact force by nearly 80 % with the thickness of only 4 mm via a cooperation between the effect of shear hardening and structure densification. Meanwhile, after burning on the alcohol flame for 12 s, the composite sponge with 7 wt.% fire-retardant additive maintains a complete morphology and realizes self-extinguishing with a reliable flame-retardant ability. Attributed to the good electrical conductivity of shear thickening fluid, the composite sponge serves favorably in human body monitoring, impact sensing and fire warning. In a word, this multifunctional lightweight composite sponge is expected to realize the integration of early warning and protection, which is a competitive candidate material for the intelligent protection in complex environments.

Facile and sustainable methane storage via clathrate hydrate formation with low dosage promoters in a sponge matrix

Natural gas (NG) is an effective and eco-friendly fossil fuel with regard to reducing CO2 emission. In this manner, many technologies have been developed to store the NG efficiently, like LNG and CNG. Among them, natural gas hydrates (NGH) emerge as a promising option to replace LNG and CNG, due to their high energy density and mild storage conditions. Nevertheless, vigorous mechanical stirring, which is typically adopted to produce the NGH, requires high energy inputs and short periodic managements from elevated viscosity of the fluids during the production process. In this work, the effective method for synthesizing methane hydrates under a non-stirred system was proposed and evaluated. A commercial melamine sponge, which is cheap, lightweight, and easily accessible, was utilized as a supporting matrix. Additionally, various types of thermodynamic (e.g., CP (immiscible) and THF (miscible) and kinetic promoters (e.g., sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS, surfactant) and l-methionine (L-met, amino acid)) were introduced and assessed in terms of methane storage capacity and kinetic parameters during the long-term 20 cycles of formation-dissociation. These combinations from low dosage of thermodynamic and kinetic promoters (e.g., CP + SDS, and DIOX + L-met) facilitated immediate nucleation, and high methane uptake was obtained by inducing sequential growth of methane hydrates. Finally, comparing with the CNG technology, it was shown that the mixed hydrates formed with the low-dosage of promoters were profitable in terms of formation and storage conditions.

3D Porous Sponge/Carbon Nanotube/Polyaniline/Chitosan Capacitive Bioanode Material for Improving the Power Generation and Energy Storage Performance of Microbial Fuel Cells

Anode materials play a crucial role in the performance of microbial fuel cells (MFCs) in terms of power output. In this study, carbon nanotube (CNT)/polyaniline (PANI)/chitosan (CS) composites were prepared on a porous sponge matrix. The high electrical conductivity of CNTs, the capacitive behavior of PANI, and the biocompatibility of CS were leveraged to enhance the electricity generation and energy storage capabilities of MFCs. Experimental results demonstrated that the MFC with the modified anode achieved a maximum power density of 7902.4 mW/m3. Moreover, in the charging–discharging test, the stored electricity of the S/CNT/PANI/CS anode was 16.38 times that of the S/CNT anode when both the charging and discharging times were 30 min. High-throughput sequencing revealed that the modified composite anode exhibited remarkable biocompatibility and selective enrichment of electrogenic bacteria. Overall, this study presents a novel approach for developing composite MFC anode materials with energy storage functionality.

Bioinspired Zn-MOF doped radial porous chitosan-based sponge with antibacterial and antioxidant properties for rapid hemostasis and wound healing

Herein, a novel bioinspired radial porous zinc-based metal-organic framework (Zn-MOF) doped sodium alginate/chitosan derivatives/pullulan-based SA/PSCS/Pul/Zn-MOF (SPCP/Zn) composites sponge with excellent antioxidant and antibacterial properties was fabricated by the ice-templating method. Boric acid (BA) and Ca2+, which were respectively used as hydrogen- and ionic- bonding cross-linkers, provided strong mechanical properties for sponge matrix composed of SA, PSCS, and Pul. The obtained SPCP/Zn sponge exhibited uniform porous morphology, proper hydrophilicity, and admirable biocompatibility. In addition, the SPCP/Zn sponge achieved a sustained release of Zn2+ and gallic acid, which displayed powerful antibacterial and antioxidant activities. Importantly, the SPCP/Zn sponge exhibited shorter rapid hemostasis (20.4 ± 2.9 s) and lower blood loss (19.8 ± 4.3 mg). The SPCP/Zn sponge also showed faster wound closure ratio for the rat full-thickness skin defect model. It was revealed that SPCP/Zn sponge could significantly accelerate and enhance wound healing through downregulating inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6) and increasing the expression of growth factors (VEGF). Due to its excellent properties, the SPCP/Zn sponge may have promising potential in wound healing applications.

A stable full cell having high energy density realized by using a three-dimensional current collector of carbon nanotubes and partial prelithiation of silicon monoxide

The prelithiation of SiO-based negative electrodes is essential for stable and high-energy-density Li secondary batteries. In this study, a new partial prelithiation method by two-stack electrodes was developed using lightweight and high-capacity carbon-coated silicon monoxide (SiO/C) films held in a sponge-like matrix of carbon nanotubes (CNTs). The charge-discharge cycles of a full cell with the partially prelithiated SiO/C-CNT negative electrode (p-LixSiO/C-CNT with SiO/C content of 85 mass%) and LiNi0.8Mn0.1Co0.1O2 (NCM811)-CNT positive electrode (NCM content of 97 mass%) reduced the irreversible capacity, achieving high energy densities per the total mass of the negative and positive electrodes of 542 and 420 W h kgelectrode−1 at the 1st and 300th cycle, respectively, with high areal capacities of 4.6 and 3.1 mA h cm−2 for the negative and positive electrodes. The flexible CNT sponge matrix expanded/shrunk reversibly during lithiation/delithiation and retained its structure, whereas the thin Li metal formed Li dendrites and dead Li after cycling, as demonstrated by scanning electron microscopy. The partial prelithiation method of simply stacking the pristine SiO/C-CNT film with a fully prelithiated film enables the careful control of the degree of prelithiation, contributing to full cells of various chemistries.

A general approach based on morphological thermodynamics for a fluid confined in various porous media

We propose a general approach based on morphological thermodynamics for determining adsorption isotherms, i.e., the chemical potential of a confined fluid as a function of its density. The validity of this approach and its versatility are established by its remarkable accuracy compared to Monte-Carlo simulation results and its capability of accounting for a quite large variety of porous media, ranging from a simple slit pore to a random sponge matrix. It is also revealed that the contribution of the curvature terms to the chemical potential of the confined fluid is negligibly small when the interface curvature is not too large. This finding is of a particular importance for simplifying the treatment of experimental results of adsorption isotherms since no experimental technique is currently available for determining the curvatures of the pore surface inside a porous material.

Effect of polyaniline dispersibility in chitin sponge matrix controlled by hydrophilicity on microplastics adsorption

Microplastics have become an emerging threat to global ecosystems, and their efficient removal faces with serious challenges. Herein, this study introduced different hydrophilic polyaniline (PANIs) into chitin matrix to fabricate Chitin-PANIs sponge (ChPANIs) and investigated the relationship between PANIs dispersibility in chitin sponge matrix controlled by its hydrophilicity and adsorption effects on MPs. With the increase of PANIs' hydrophilicity (WCA from 153.9° to 32.8°), the removal efficiency of sponges to MPs increased from 84.0 % to 91.7 %. More hydrophilic PANIs can provide more contact surfaces and adsorption sites, which enhanced the electrostatic interactions to MPs and obtained excellent adsorption properties. The adsorption of MPs on ChPANIs accorded with the pseudo-first-order adsorption, suggesting that physical adsorption plays a dominant role. The adsorption process also conformed to Freundlich model, which displayed the MPs adsorption on ChPANI-PA could be multi-layer. The adsorption strength of ChPANIs was 0.7552, suggesting that it was a strong adsorbent. The ChPANIs also exhibited good mechanical properties and reusability, which its MPs removal efficiency just decreased from 91.7 % to 86.9 % during the five cycles. These findings expand the understanding of the adsorption mechanism analysis of MPs on sponge materials, and exist guiding significance for the design of adsorbed materials.

FeNi supported on carbon sponge for efficient urea oxidation in direct urea fuel cell

The direct urea fuel cell (DUFC) is a power generation equipment with urea-rich wastewater or urine as fuel source. It has the unique ability to purify sewage while simultaneously generating electricity, making it a highly efficient and environmentally friendly option. In this paper, pomegranate seed-like Ni nano-blocks and Fe nanosheets were synthesized by electrodeposition and chemical reduction and attached to the carbonized melamine sponge matrix. The N-doped carbon sponge (NCS) provided a large number of polyhedral holes, which allowed for efficient gas escape through channels. The combination of Fe reduces the initial urea oxidation potential, reaction activation energy and reaction resistance. The synthesized FeNi supported on N-doped carbon sponge composite (FeNi@NCS) has a catalytic current density of 625 mA cm−2 and a Tafel slope of 42.51 mV dec−1 for urea electrooxidation reaction (UOR). Assembling the direct urine-hydrogen peroxide fuel cell (DUrHPFC) resulted in the highest performance output. The open circuit voltage (OCV) was 0.98 V, and the peak power density reached 9.61 mW cm−2. The results show that the prepared catalyst provides an opportunity to solve the problems that hinder the development of urea green cycle at present.

Synergistic Effect and Electrical Properties of Microporous Liquid Metal/Carbon Nanotube Polymer Sponge.

Sensing sponge materials with light weight, high elasticity, and electrical sensing properties are in enormous demand in electronic fields, but there is an imminent need to develop a scalable and facile method for the manufacture of the sensing material. Herein, an efficient in situ polymerization and convenient preparation process is reported to manufacture the microporous liquid metal/carbon nanotube-polysulfide rubber (LM/CNT-PSR) sponges with excellent mechanical and electrical properties, based on fluidic LMs and rigid CNTs with unique synergistic effect for sponge composites. Excellent mechanical properties of LM/CNT-PSR sponges, such as low density, excellent elasticity, remarkable mechanical recoverability, and self-healing property, are endowed by the interconnected microporous structure of sponge and flexible polysulfide rubber matrix with disulfide bonds. In addition, the synergistic effect of LMs and CNTs leads to excellent conductivity and unique electrical sensing property under mechanical pressure. Microporous LM/CNT-PSR sponges with high performance and simple fabrication process are promising sensing materials for various electronic devices, such as human motion monitoring, and weighing sensing.

Multicomponent X-ray Shielding Using Sulfated Cerium Oxide and Bismuth Halide Composites.

Lead is the most widely used X-ray-shielding material, but it is heavy (density ≈ 11.34 g/cm3) and toxic. Therefore, the replacement of Pb with lightweight, ecofriendly materials would be beneficial, and such materials would have applications in medicine, electronics, and aerospace engineering. However, the shielding ability of Pb-free materials is significantly lower than that of Pb itself. To maximize the radiation attenuation of non-Pb-based shielding materials, a high-attenuation cross-section, normal to the incoming X-ray direction, must be achieved. In this study, we developed efficient X-ray-shielding materials composed of sulfated cerium oxide (S-CeO2) and bismuth halides. Crucially, the materials are lightweight and mechanically flexible because of the absence of heavy metals (for example, Pb and W). Further, by pre-forming the doped metal oxide as a porous sponge matrix, and then incorporating the bismuth halides into the porous matrix, uniform, compact, and intimate composites with a high-attenuation cross-section were achieved. Owing to the synergetic effect of the doped metal oxide and bismuth halides, the resultant thin (approximately 3 mm) and lightweight (0.85 g·cm-3) composite achieved an excellent X-ray-shielding rate of approximately 92% at 60 kV, one of the highest values reported for non-heavy-metal shielding materials.

Improving Microbial Fuel Cell Performance Using Porous Capacitive Composite Bioanode Materials with Energy Storage Function

Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) have shown promise in solving energy and environmental problems, but their practical application is limited by their low power output. In this study, carbon nanotubes/polypyrrole composite anode materials were prepared on a porous sponge matrix. By combining the porous characteristics of sponge, the good conductive properties of carbon nanotubes, and the energy storage ability of polypyrrole capacitive materials, the prepared anode exhibited a large specific capacity, high porosity, large specific surface area, good electron transport ability, and good biocompatibility. The results showed that the maximum power density of the modified anode MFC reached 7.46 W m−3, which was 2.53 times higher than that of the control anode. The stored energy Qs released by the modified anode was 235.6 C m−2, 6.5 times higher than that of the control electrode. In addition, the transfer impedance Rct of the S/CNT/PPy electrode (5.5 Ω) was much lower than that of the control anode (16.8 Ω). The research presented in this paper demonstrates a new approach to improving the power generation ability and energy storage performance of MFCs.

Stable and high-capacity SiO negative electrode held in reversibly deformable sponge-like matrix of carbon nanotubes

A lightweight, high-capacity negative electrode was developed by suspending carbon-coated silicon monoxide (SiO/C) particles in a sponge-like matrix of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) without using metal foils or polymeric binders. High initial delithiation capacities per electrode (SiO/C + CNT) of >1200 mA h gelectrode−1 and >1100 mA h cmelectrode−3 were achieved with an optimum SiO/C content of 85 mass%. The lithiation/delithiation cycle with capacity control at a 45% SiO utilization ratio achieved a high delithiation capacity of 584 mA h gelectrode−1 for 236 cycles. In addition, the flexible and electrically conductive CNT sponge matrix enabled reversible expansion/shrinkage of the entire electrode during lithiation/delithiation, as evidenced by scanning electron microscopy.

Evaluating the Degradation Process of Collagen Sponge and Acellular Matrix Implants In Vivo Using the Standardized HPLC-MS/MS Method

The purpose of this study was to establish a collagen determination method based on an isotope-labeled collagen peptide as an internal reference via high-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC–MS/MS), and using the established method to evaluate the degradation process of collagen-based implants in vivo. The specific peptide (GPAGPQGPR) of bovine type I collagen was identified with an Orbitrap mass spectrometer. Then, the quantification method based on the peptide detection with HPLC-MS/MS was established and validated, and then further used to analyze the degradation trend of the collagen sponge and acellular matrix (ACM) in vivo at 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 16, and 18 weeks after implantation. The results indicate that the relative standard deviation (RSD) of the detection precision and repeatability of the peptide-based HPLC-MS/MS quantification method were 3.55% and 0.63%, respectively. The limitations of quantification and detection were 2.05 × 10−3 μg/mL and 1.12 × 10−3 μg/mL, respectively. The collagen sponge and ACM were completely degraded at 10 weeks and 18 weeks, respectively. Conclusion: A specific peptide (GPAGPQGPR) of bovine type I collagen was identified with an Orbitrap mass spectrometer, and a standardized HPLC-MS/MS-based internal reference method for the quantification of bovine type I collagen was established. The method can be used for the analysis of the degradation of collagen-based implants in vivo.

Low temperature co-fired ceramic (LTCC)- based biosensor for detection of vanadium using immobilized Arachis hypogaea alkaline phosphatase on multi walled carbon nanotubes ethyl cellulose sponge matrix

Studies on enzyme based thermometric biosensor are limited. Here, we report on fabrication of an alkaline phosphate based thermometric biosensor. We designed alkaline phosphatase inhibition based biosensor for detection of vanadium using immobilized alkaline phosphatase on multi walled carbon nano tubes (MWCTs) ethyl cellulose sponge matrix. We isolated protein from plant source, partially purified and fabricated a miniature ceramic viz. LTCC (low temperature co-fired ceramics technology) based biosensor for detection of vanadium. This biosensor consists of a microreaction chamber with buried heaters. Alkaline phosphatase has been isolated from the seeds of ‘Arachis hypoghaea’ was studied for its biochemical properties viz. optimum pH and temperature. The partially purified enzyme was immobilized using carboxyl-functionalised carbon nanotubes (CNTs) by cross linking with epichlorohydrin (ECH) along with a matrix of ethyl cellulose. The developed LTCC based biosensor on testing indicated its linear response to vanadium concentration up to 9 mM with a relatively high sensitivity of about 147 nA/mM. Thus, we have demonstrated a LTCC based biosensor using immobilized alkaline phosphatase for detection of vanadium.

Modeling Premalignant Transformation of Hematopoietic Stem Cells in a Nanobioreactor in Microgravity

Microgravity coupled with increased radiation exposure aboard the ISS provides a unique environment to simulate and study response to injury, inflammatory signaling, aging, and (pre-)malignant transformation of normal human hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) in an accelerated timeframe. The NASA Twin study suggests that genomic, epigenomic, epitranscriptomic, and proteomic changes may detrimentally impact hematopoietic stem and immune cell fitness and induce stem cell exhaustion (Garrett-Bakelman et al., Science, 2019). Moreover, changes indicative of pre-cancer stem cell generation, such as increased chromosome translocations and inversions, occurred and persisted post-flight. Additionally, a recent publication entitled Multisystem Toxicity in Cancer: Lessons from NASA's Countermeasures Program found significant similarities between the multisystem physiological toxicities experienced in cancer patients as well as during spaceflight (Scott et al, Cell 2019). These reports highlight the benefits of studying injury response, changes in mutational profiles and cancer evolution in microgravity at the stem cell level. For this study, we designed a novel bioreactor system to support the culture of donor-derived human HSCs in low Earth orbit (LEO). A sponge matrix and stromal cells model the microenvironment HSCs reside in within the bone marrow niche. Testing on Earth confirmed our system's ability to maintain stem cell fitness over several weeks. To assess stem cell physiology in LEO over time, we lentivirally transduced a reporter into the HSCs pre-flight (Pineda et al., Scientific Reports 2016), which allows for cell cycle tracking via fluorescence imaging. This will provide data for assessment of stem cell health, maintenance and functionality. Furthermore, we are analyzing cytokine profiles and mutational status post-flight, with a focus on signatures we have previously connected to (pre-)malignant transformation via RNA sequencing analysis (Jiang, Cancer Cell 2019). The first batch of bioreactors launched with the SpX-24 mission in December 2021 and the second batch is currently on orbit as part of the SpX-25 mission. This investigation has the potential to provide valuable insights into the maintenance of hematopoietic stem cell health and functionality, HSC response to injury through accumulation of mutations and, eventually, the mechanisms fueling long-term (pre-)malignant transformation into leukemia stem cells.

Efficiency calibration and self-attenuation correction in radioxenon measurement using β-γ coincidence method

Measurement of the four radioxenon isotopes, namely 131mXe, 133mXe, 133Xe, and 135Xe, play a key role in underground nuclear test monitoring for ensuring compliance with the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT). To improve detection sensitivity, a β-γ coincidence technique is commonly used. Due to the presence of the gas matrix, such as stable xenon, nitrogen, helium, the self-attenuation effects should be taken into account when measuring different types of sample. In order to improve the accuracy of the measurement, the detection efficiencies of X-rays and γ-rays were derived by using a simulation gas calibration source with low density of sponge matrix. The detection efficiencies of β-particles and conversion electrons (CEs) were calibrated by measuring radioxenon sample. The self-attenuation correction factors of X-rays and γ-rays were determined by Geant4 simulation method. The self-attenuation correction factors of β-particles and CEs were provided by measuring the radioxenon samples with different volumes of xenon, nitrogen and helium.

Honey-Propolis-Engineered Collagen Peptides as Promising Wound-Healing Matrix in Mouse Model.

In this study, collagen hydrolysates (CHDs) were fabricated with honey-propolis wax (HPW), structurally modified as a sponge matrix, and experimentalized on wound healing in a mouse model. The scaffold was characterized by means of in vitro enzymatic degradation; in vitro HPW release; and in vivo wound-healing mouse model, wound-healing-specific RNA, transcripts, and protein markers. The functional activity of the HPW extracted from raw propolis was determined using total flavonoids, antioxidant scavenging assays, and anti-hemolytic principles. The results indicated that HPW had a high flavonoid content (20 μg/mL of wax) and antioxidant activities. The effective concentration (EC50) of HPW was estimated (28 mg/mL) and was then used in the subsequent in vivo experiments. Additionally, the dopped mixture of CHDs and HPW substantially enhanced the wound-healing process and regulated wound biochemical markers such as hexoseamine and melondialdehyde. CHDs- HPW upregulated the expression of growth factors including vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) (2.3-fold), fibroblast growth factor (FGF) and epidermal growth factor (EGF) (1.7-fold), and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) (3.1-fold), indicating their potential capacity to perform wound re-epithelialization and the loading of ground tissue. Pro-inflammatory markers IL-1 β (51 pg/mL) and TNF-α (220 pg/mL) were significantly reduced in the CHD-HPW-treated wound. These interesting results were further confirmed using mRNA and protein growth factors from the wound, which enhanced the load of collagen-I in the wound site. In conclusion, CHDs-HPW exhibited a significant reduction in inflammation and inflammatory markers and helped to obtain a faster wound-healing process in a mouse model. The newly engineered biosponge could be developed as a promising therapeutic approach for the regeneration and repair of damaged human skin in the future.

Abstract 3154: Assessing hematopoietic stem cell fitness within a nanobioreactor in microgravity

Abstract Microgravity coupled with increased radiation exposure aboard the ISS provides a unique environment to simulate and study response to injury, inflammatory signaling, aging, and (pre-)malignant transformation of normal human hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) in an accelerated timeframe. The NASA Twins study suggests that genomic, epigenomic, epitranscriptomic, and proteomic changes may detrimentally impact hematopoietic stem and immune cell fitness and induce stem cell exhaustion (Garrett-Bakelman et al., Science, 2019). Moreover, changes indicative of pre-cancer stem cell generation such as increased chromosome translocations and inversions occurred and persisted post-flight. Additionally, a recent publication entitled Multisystem Toxicity in Cancer: Lessons from NASA’s Countermeasures Program found significant similarities between the multisystem physiological toxicities in cancer patients and during spaceflight (Scott et al, Cell 2019). These reports highlight the benefits of studying injury response, changes in mutational profiles and cancer evolution in microgravity at the stem cell level. For this study, we designed a novel bioreactor system to support the culture of donor-derived human HSCs in low Earth orbit (LEO). A sponge matrix and stromal cells model the microenvironment HSCs reside in within the bone marrow niche. Testing on Earth confirmed our system’s ability to maintain stem cell fitness over several weeks. To assess stem cell physiology in LEO over time, we lentivirally transduce a reporter into the HSCs pre-flight (Pineda et al., Scientific Reports 2016), which allows for cell cycle tracking via fluorescence imaging. This will provide data for assessment of stem cell health, maintenance and functionality. Furthermore, we will be analyzing mutational status post-flight, with a focus on signatures we have previously connected to (pre-)malignant transformation via RNA sequencing analysis (Jiang, Cancer Cell 2019). Our bioreactors are scheduled to launch as part of the SpaceX CRS-24 mission on Dec 21, 2021. This investigation may provide valuable insights into the maintenance of hematopoietic stem cell health and functionality, response to injury through accumulation of mutations and, eventually, the mechanisms fueling long-term (pre-)malignant transformation into leukemia stem cells. Citation Format: Luisa Ladel, Jessica Pham, Isabelle Oliver, Larisa Balaian, Catriona HM Jamieson. Assessing hematopoietic stem cell fitness within a nanobioreactor in microgravity [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2022; 2022 Apr 8-13. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2022;82(12_Suppl):Abstract nr 3154.