A biological model for the purposes of studying the effects of space flight factors on the human supportive and connective tissue cells

A new biological model was invented and created in order to study the effects of space flight factors on the vital functions of human connective and supportive tissue cells. The model is in essence a spongy 3D bio-carrier, populated by tissue cultures and placed into a hermetically sealed container completely filled with growth tissue (patent #143101 registered December 30th 2013). Cell identification within the culture and on the bio-carrier was done using the complex of morphological, biochemical and immunohistochemical study methods, as well as the method of raster electron microscopy (REM) and confocal microscopy. The efficiency of this model proved itself during two orbital space flights on board of two unpiloted spacecrafts, Bion-M 1 and Foton 4. Cells retained their viability and proliferative activity during 30 and 44 days of space flight without culture medium change.