Crystallization in the Cupola: Real-Time Protein Crystal Growth on the ISS
A Modular In Situ-1™ Crystallization Plate floating in the Cupola on the International Space Station.
Media Credit: NASA
March 1, 2019
Check out these photos of the In Situ Space Protein Crystal Growth payload taken in the CupolaA small module on the International Space Station with seven windows for observing and photographing Earth, spacecraft arrivals and departures, and spacewalks. of the International Space Station (ISSInternational Space Station). This ISS National Lab investigation, led by Kristofer Gonzalez-DeWhitt, consultant for The Bionetics Corporation, sought to demonstrate the feasibility of conducting protein crystal growth experiments in real time onboard the ISS.
Media Credit: NASANational Aeronautics and Space Administration
As part of the experiment, ISS crew members added solutions to the protein crystal growth hardware, observed crystal formation using a microscope onboard the ISS, and made adjustments to optimize experiment conditions in orbit. Protein crystallization experiments are usually launched to the ISS in pre-filled hardware with minimal interaction from crew members, and investigators are not able to check on the progress of the experiment or make any changes while its in orbit.
The investigation also sought to test a modified version of a commercial off-the-shelf standard MiTeGen Situ-1™ Crystallization Plate that was designed by The Bionetics Corporation and MiTeGen. The payload returned on SpaceX’s 16th commercial resupply mission in December, and the research team is in the process of analyzing the crystals, with results expected in the coming months.
Microgravity Molecular Crystal Growth Program
To make it easier and more economical for investigators to utilize the ISS National Lab for crystallization research and to enhance the commercialization potential of a crystallization platform in low Earth orbit(Abbreviation: LEO) The orbit around the Earth that extends up to an altitude of 2,000 km (1,200 miles) from Earth’s surface. The International Space Station’s orbit is in LEO, at an altitude of approximately 250 miles., the ISS National Lab established a MicrogravityThe condition of perceived weightlessness created when an object is in free fall, for example when an object is in orbital motion. Microgravity alters many observable phenomena within the physical and life sciences, allowing scientists to study things in ways not possible on Earth. The International Space Station provides access to a persistent microgravity environment. Molecular Crystal Growth (MMCG) Program. Find more information about the MMCG program here.
Explore the related resources below to learn more about how investigators are leveraging microgravity conditions on the ISS National Lab for important crystallization research.