DEVELOPMENT OF A 3D-PRINTED CLINOSTAT FOR THE STUDY OF MICROGRAVITY ON HUMAN CELL MODELS

Author

Isaiah Michael Francis, Southern Illinois University CarbondaleFollow

Date of Award

12-1-2025

Degree Name

Master of Science

Department

Biomedical Engineering

First Advisor

Bae, Chilman

Abstract

Microgravity profoundly influences human physiology by altering cytoskeletal organization, cell morphology, and mechanotransduction. Because direct experimentation in space is costly and limited, ground-based simulated microgravity (SMG) systems are essential. Clinostats, which randomize the gravity vector through rotation, provide a practical approach but often suffer from high cost, mechanical instability, or unintended shear stress. This study presents the design, fabrication, and validation of a low-cost, 3D-printed 3D clinostat optimized for human cell culture applications. The clinostat was modeled in Autodesk Fusion 360, fabricated with ABS material, and equipped with dual brushless DC motors controlled by a Raspberry Pi microcontroller. Design iterations emphasized rigidity and vibration reduction, with structural simulations guiding reinforcement of load-bearing regions. Verification of the SMG effect employed a six-axis inertial measurement unit, which confirmed a time-averaged reduction of gravity to 0.08 g within minutes of operation. Vibration testing demonstrated that counterbalancing, stainless-steel bearings, and base support effectively minimized oscillatory artifacts. Biological validation was performed with HEK 293T cells, exposed to three hours of simulated microgravity at two time points (24 and 36-hours post-seeding). Morphological assays quantified six parameters—aspect ratio, roundness, solidity, circularity, area, and Feret ii diameter—using ImageJ. Population averages revealed no significant differences compared to controls, confirming the system’s mechanical neutrality. However, individual-cell analysis indicated transient increases in roundness and aspect ratio, alongside persistent increases in solidity, area, and Feret diameter. These results suggest that short-term SMG induces both reversible and sustained cytoskeletal remodeling, while maintaining stability in circularity. This work demonstrates that a 3D-printed clinostat can provide a reproducible, affordable, and modular platform for microgravity research. By lowering costs and enabling open-source design adaptation, the system expands access to mechanobiology and space medicine studies, supporting future investigations into cellular adaptation under reduced gravity.