About this Research Topic

Background

Biotic and abiotic stressors like viruses, fungi and radiation represent formidable challenges to life in space, characterized by conditions (isolation, gravitational transitions, micro-gravity and cosmic rays) accelerating effects typically associated with pollutant exposure, aging and pathogenesis occurring on longer time-frames on Earth. In the wave of renewed interest into interplanetary exploration (sustained from space tourism initiatives), a deep understanding of risks and opportunities linked to spaceflight can no longer be delayed, also for the relevance of the scientific and technological advances that can timely be translated from the specialized astronaut community to the general population on Earth. Innovative countermeasures against detrimental space effects, including targeted administration of nanotechnological therapies, promise unprecedented tuning of biological activities from the molecular to the cellular level, up to whole organism complexity, while overcoming limitations inherent to spaceflight vessels. Updated protocols for physical training and novel devices for diagnosis encourage longer exploration of deep space.

This Research Topic aims at providing an updated overview on the most recent advances in the field of medicine and nanotechnology as applied to space-related needs of function maintenance, drug administration for targeted therapy, disease prevention, tissue regeneration and diagnostics. It also aims at recapitulating open issues while promoting the emergence of unprecedented questions and the establishment of multidisciplinary exchanges concerning interaction of living organisms with fine materials (nanomaterials and lunar regolith) and exposure of the same to the harsh environmental conditions associated to space exploration.

Potential contributors are encouraged to submit their most recent findings and studies under the form of Original Research, Reviews and Mini-Reviews on the following themes:

• Systematic investigations of the effects of the interaction of living cells and organisms with fine materials of anthropic activity (nanoparticles for biomedical purposes) and of celestial origin
• Contrast of the effects of gravitational unloading (real and simulated) based on innovative physical training and drug administration (targeted therapies)
• Investigations on the effects of cosmic radiations (real and simulated) with in vitro and in vivo models and on possible countermeasures
• Nanotechnology-enabled diagnostics with miniaturized devices for real-time screenings in space
• Life maintenance with automated systems in space

Dr. Gianni Ciofani is Scientific Advisor for Kidara Bioscience. Dr. Ciofani, Dr. Matteo Lulli and Dr. Jeremy Teo also hold patents, including those on nanomaterials. All other Topic Editors declare no competing interests.

Keywords: Nanoparticles, Regenerative Medicine, Altered Gravity, Space Travel

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.

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