Microgravity Research: Why take your research to Space
Gravity's Secrets Unleashed: Biotech Marvels and Commercial Ventures in Microgravity
Historically, researchers observed major innovations by studying systems and varying physical parameters like temperature and pressure, leading to the discovery of superconductivity. Microgravity, an environment characterised by negligible gravity or weightlessness, induces observable changes in the physical characteristics of systems. Fluid distribution, convection, sedimentation, and conduction changes in microgravity affect material and biological systems. This microgravity environment can be simulated on Earth using Clinostats, Rotating wall vessels, Drop towers, and Parabolic flights. It is also found about 200-2000 kilometres above the Earth’s surface in Low Earth Orbit, the same zone where the International Space Station (ISS) currently orbits. The ISS is committed to exploring space and conducting microgravity research to solve problems on Earth and serves as a testing ground for space exploration missions, including Lunar and Martian colonisation.
Biotechnology specifically invests in this research because research and development in drug discovery, tissue engineering, nanotechnology, microbiology, and molecular biology have shown palpable benefits for solving problems on Earth. Cells subjected to the extreme microgravity environment undergo changes in genetic, metabolic, enzymatic, and epigenetic pathways due to the absence of “mechanical loading” on the cells and the physical changes in fluid redistribution, loss of convection, sedimentation, and shear stress. These changes translate to alterations in the physical and functional characteristics of the cell and tissue. Moreover, the highly adaptable microbial kingdom exhibits differential properties in space, exploitable as model organisms for disease and antibiotic resistance testing, synthetic biology applications, and waste recycling.
Although the field dates back to 1962, advancements have led to more experiments conducted in space and increased awareness in this niche field. Experimentation equipment and design have been upgraded to accommodate the volume-constrictive ISS. Microfluidic devices, including lab and organ-on-a-chip technology, are standard in biological research experiments due to their automation, portability, customization, and remote monitoring and control capabilities, making them ideal for ISS research.
Recent experiments show a notable shift from mere observation and data collection to commercial application. LambdaVision, Inc. , a company dedicated to developing artificial retinas for patients with age-related macular degeneration and retinitis pigmentosa, took their research to microgravity. They observed that the retinal implant, consisting of 200 layers of the light-activated protein bacteriorhodopsin, showed better uniformity in assembly in microgravity. This, in turn, would lead to lower manufacturing costs, accelerated production time, and reduced material required to produce the implant.
Other success stories include 3D printing of artificial organs due to enhanced cell growth and improved structural integrity, protein crystallization of drugs to form better-ordered crystals, and tissue chips to study tissue and organ systems and their effects in microgravity, providing researchers with a better understanding of astronauts' health.
Many space technology startups are seeking to commercialise this research and make space accessible to a broader range of industries. A vision of sustainable off-world manufacturing, resource utilisation, and innovation drives efforts to establish space factories supporting preliminary research.
Author: Sasha T. , BioSpace Engineer at Vellon Space
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