2019 ISSRDC Award: Development and Demonstration of In-Space Manufacture of Protein-Based Retinal Implant

Each year, the International Space Station (ISS) Research and Development (R&D) Conference, held in coordination with the ISSInternational Space Station U.S. National Laboratory, NASANational Aeronautics and Space Administration, and the American Astronautical Society, highlights individuals who have pushed the boundaries of space-based research through the presentation of research awards. This week, we are spotlighting awardees in the category of “innovation,” honoring individuals who have leveraged the ISS to pioneer a new frontier in space-based science. Today’s spotlight is on Dr. Nicole L. Wagner of LambdaVision, for innovation in the field of biology and medicine.

LambdaVision is leveraging 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. conditions on the ISS National Laboratory to improve the manufacturing process for its protein-based retinal implant capable of restoring vision in patients with retinal degeneration, which affects millions of people on Earth. Currently, there is no cure for patients with the two most common types of retinal degeneration—age-related macular degeneration and retinitis pigmentosa—and limited treatments are available. LambdaVision’s retinal implant consists of multiple layers of a light-activated protein. However, when produced on Earth, gravity interferes with the uniformity of the layers. By taking manufacturing process to the ISS, LambdaVision hopes to increase efficiency and achieve a higher-quality retinal implant by improving the overall uniformity and stability of the multilayer system. LambdaVision’s investigation is supported by a “Technology in Space Prize”—an award sponsored by the ISS National Laboratory and The Boeing Company that supports innovative startup companies associated with the MassChallenge program, one of the leading startup accelerators.