Solar Energy News  
SPACE MEDICINE
Implantable drug delivery devices goes remote onboard the ISS
by Staff Writers
Kennedy Space Center FL (SPX) Aug 27, 2021

stock image only

From Novartis to Lamborghini, Alessandro Grattoni and the Houston Methodist Research Institute have partnered with big names to leverage the International Space Station (ISS) U.S. National Laboratory for space-based research and technology development with important benefits back on Earth.

Grattoni, professor and chair of the Department of Nanomedicine at the Houston Methodist Research Institute, currently leads a team developing the next generation of implantable drug delivery systems for the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases. Their latest investigation launches to the ISS on SpaceX's 23rd Commercial Resupply Services (CRS) mission. This time, they will be testing an advanced implantable drug delivery device that can be remotely operated, which allows for the controlled distribution of a drug inside the body on demand.

To validate the new technology, the team will make use of a new autonomous research platform called the Faraday Research Facility developed by ProXopS, LLC, an ISS National Lab Commercial Service Provider. If the technology demonstration is successful, the remotely operated device could open new doors for telemedicine and personalized therapeutic treatments on Earth and provide new capabilities for medical research in space.

Grattoni's technology has evolved over several years and multiple spaceflights. An initial microgravity experiment in 2016 that modeled the diffusion of fluids through nanochannels developed into a passively operated, prototype drug delivery implant. Pharmaceutical giant Novartis later collaborated with Grattoni's team to test this system in a mouse model onboard the ISS.

Based on the team's success, a third spaceflight experiment in 2019 in partnership with supercar manufacturer Automobili Lamborghini tested carbon fiber composites for aerospace applications. These results may also one day help to identify new advanced materials for biomedical devices.

Implantable drug delivery systems are designed to automatically deliver precise doses of medication at targeted delivery sites in a patient's body. While previous versions of Grattoni's system operated passively-the initial device utilized specially calibrated nanochannel membranes to modulate the diffusion rate-the latest version features a remote control that can be operated through an application installed on a smartphone or laptop. This advance provides the ability to remotely stop and start the flow of medication and control the precise dosage on command.

"Having an implant that allows you to modulate drug release and change drug-release profiles over time really opens up a spectrum of opportunities that goes from clinical developments to potentially expanded resources for research and fundamental science," Grattoni said.

Among the hopeful uses of the new device is to streamline rodent research onboard the ISS. The system could allow more complex drug regimens that would not be feasible even with extensive crew interaction, while also reducing stress on animals, Grattoni said.

Grattoni's team will use the new Faraday Research Facility to validate the device's remote capabilities on station. The autonomous research platform will house a suite of the implantable devices, stored for test operation in sealed saline tubes, and will allow the team to remotely put the units through their paces from the ground via the station's internet connection. If successful, a future spaceflight experiment could validate operation of the system in rodents on station.

The experiment will double as a test for the ProXopS platform. With a capacity for up to 12 remotely operated "microlab" investigations, the Faraday Research Facility could soon provide a customizable and cost-effective way to transport, command, control, and return spaceflight investigations.

"We are excited to support this mission with the Faraday Research Platform. Grattoni's comprehensive research in drug delivery systems has a lot of promise that will ultimately improve the quality of life on our planet and beyond," said ProXopS managing partner Chad Brinkley.

Grattoni's remote implantable system has potential for telemedicine on Earth, where it could help patients who lack easy access to medical clinics, and for future astronauts on long-term space exploration missions. It also could someday help treat diseases that respond better to therapeutics administered at certain times of the day, like hypertension, rheumatoid arthritis, and sleep disorders.

"Whatever we do on the research level, we're doing it with the intention of making good use of it in a clinical setting," Grattoni said. "This really is an enabling technology platform for a broad series of experiments, from testing new therapeutics to exploring biological effects of different compounds."

To learn about the other payloads the Faraday platform will support on its upcoming flight visit the ISS National Lab's SpaceX CRS-23 launch page here.


Related Links
Houston Methodist Research Institute
Space Medicine Technology and Systems


Thanks for being here;
We need your help. The SpaceDaily news network continues to grow but revenues have never been harder to maintain.

With the rise of Ad Blockers, and Facebook - our traditional revenue sources via quality network advertising continues to decline. And unlike so many other news sites, we don't have a paywall - with those annoying usernames and passwords.

Our news coverage takes time and effort to publish 365 days a year.

If you find our news sites informative and useful then please consider becoming a regular supporter or for now make a one off contribution.
SpaceDaily Contributor
$5 Billed Once


credit card or paypal
SpaceDaily Monthly Supporter
$5 Billed Monthly


paypal only


SPACE MEDICINE
Bio-inspired, blood-repelling tissue glue could seal wounds quickly
Boston MA (SPX) Aug 11, 2021
Inspired by the sticky substance that barnacles use to cling to rocks, MIT engineers have designed a strong, biocompatible glue that can seal injured tissues and stop bleeding. The new paste can adhere to surfaces even when they are covered with blood, and can form a tight seal within about 15 seconds of application. Such a glue could offer a much more effective way to treat traumatic injuries and to help control bleeding during surgery, the researchers say. "We are solving an adhesion probl ... read more

Comment using your Disqus, Facebook, Google or Twitter login.



Share this article via these popular social media networks
del.icio.usdel.icio.us DiggDigg RedditReddit GoogleGoogle

SPACE MEDICINE
Turning hazelnut shells into potential renewable energy source

Biofuel potential from wastewater ponds

NASA awards $750,000 in competition to convert carbon dioxide into sugar

Maersk orders eight carbon-neutral container ships

SPACE MEDICINE
Robotic arm to help astronauts will head to space station

'Always there': the AI chatbot comforting China's lonely millions

Making machines that make robots, and robots that make themselves

Package delivery robots' environmental impacts: Automation matters less than vehicle type

SPACE MEDICINE
How do wind turbines respond to winds, ground motion during earthquakes?

For golden eagles, habitat loss is main threat from wind farms

Wind turbines can be clustered while avoiding turbulent wakes of their neighbors

Shell, France's EDF to build US offshore windfarm

SPACE MEDICINE
'It's not easy': Slower era dawns for Paris drivers

Amazon-backed electric vehicle maker Rivian announces IPO

Waymo to extend robotaxi service in San Francicso

The case for onboard carbon dioxide capture on long-range vehicles

SPACE MEDICINE
Turning thermal energy into electricity could help soldiers

An innovative process which prevents irreversible energy loss in batteries

Thermoelectric ink turns car exhaust pipes into power generators

Stanford researchers make rechargeable batteries that store six times more charge

SPACE MEDICINE
Framatome and BBF achieve testing milestone for medical sterilization transport system

Framatome acquires nuclear power systems division of RCM Technologies Canada Corp

Framatome's steam generator replacement expertise supports long-term operations in Canada

China nuclear reactor shut down for maintenance after damage

SPACE MEDICINE
Australia rejects climate targets despite damning UN report

China signals steady course after UN climate warning

US says cannot delay 'ambitious' action to protect climate

Areas of Iraqi province lose power after attack on pylons

SPACE MEDICINE
Benin's rare swamp forest 'at risk of disappearing'

Bolsonaro takes dig at Biden's 'obsession' with Amazon

Tropical forests in Africa's mountains store more carbon than previously thought

Brazil has near-record year for Amazon deforestation









The content herein, unless otherwise known to be public domain, are Copyright 1995-2024 - Space Media Network. All websites are published in Australia and are solely subject to Australian law and governed by Fair Use principals for news reporting and research purposes. AFP, UPI and IANS news wire stories are copyright Agence France-Presse, United Press International and Indo-Asia News Service. ESA news reports are copyright European Space Agency. All NASA sourced material is public domain. Additional copyrights may apply in whole or part to other bona fide parties. All articles labeled "by Staff Writers" include reports supplied to Space Media Network by industry news wires, PR agencies, corporate press officers and the like. Such articles are individually curated and edited by Space Media Network staff on the basis of the report's information value to our industry and professional readership. Advertising does not imply endorsement, agreement or approval of any opinions, statements or information provided by Space Media Network on any Web page published or hosted by Space Media Network. General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) Statement Our advertisers use various cookies and the like to deliver the best ad banner available at one time. All network advertising suppliers have GDPR policies (Legitimate Interest) that conform with EU regulations for data collection. By using our websites you consent to cookie based advertising. If you do not agree with this then you must stop using the websites from May 25, 2018. Privacy Statement. Additional information can be found here at About Us.