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AstroCardia

Welcome to the world of AstroCardia, a research project in which 5 Belgian companies and research centers are joining forces to improve heart health in a unique location: space! 

Our mission? Studying heart ageing and creating a suitable research model by developing an artificial miniature heart model and vascular system using 3D bioprinting into a microfluidic chip – a so-called heart-on-a-chip. 

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What and why

Developing a 'space heart' model to study cardiac health & ageing

Cardiovascular diseases are leading global causes of death, with risks rising as we age. Yet, researchers still lack a full understanding and realistic heart models to reveal the underlying biological processes.

That’s why 5 Belgian partners – SCK CEN, Space Applications Services, QbD Group, BIO INX, and Antleron – are pooling their knowledge and expertise to develop a suitable study model.

And they are doing so in an environment where scientists can better investigate heart ageing: space. Why? Because space is known to induce changes in the cardiovascular system of astronauts similar to the ageing process on Earth.

About the project
About the team
In space, cardiac ageing processes accelerate due to stress, microgravity, and radiation. This unique environment offers invaluable research opportunities not possible on Earth.
Hilde Stenuit​
Hilde Stenuit​Lead Scientist at Space Applications Services
The miniature heart, which is barely a chia seed's size, faithfully mimics its human counterpart. The innovative technique would make it possible to better investigate cardiovascular diseases and test out some potential medicines.
Dr Kevin Tabury
Dr Kevin TaburySCK CEN radiobiology expert
We are already concerned today with the problems society will face tomorrow. A healthy heart is important not only for those currently suffering from cardiovascular disease, but also for healthy astronauts exploring space.
Martijn Reniers
Martijn ReniersCIO at QbD Group
It’s like building a wall. The stem cells are the bricks, and the bio-ink is the mortar. Bio-ink is a type of gel that makes cells printable and allows them to survive during and after printing.
Jasper Van Hoorick
Jasper Van HoorickCEO at BIO INX
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5 Belgian collaborators

SCK CEN

Belgian Nuclear Research Centre with 70 years of experience in nuclear research and technology.
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Space Applications Services

Provides services to the aerospace, security markets & related industries.
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QbD Group

Supports life science companies worldwide throughout the entire product lifecycle - from idea to patient.
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BIO INX

Works on the development and commercialization of materials for 3D bioprinting.
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Antleron

Innovative Leuven R&D start-up that develops tailor-made bioprocess solutions for various life science applications.
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