Past Opportunity
2018 MMCG
Request for Proposals (RFP)
Microgravity Molecular Crystal Growth Utilization Solicitation
Purpose
Proposals should seek to utilize the 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. environment to improve quality and/or yield of molecular crystals and to establish the benefits of space science for understanding and applying crystallization methods.
NLRAThe abbreviation for an ISS National Lab Research Announcement. NLRAs are one of the ISS National Lab’s primary mechanisms to solicit proposals in specific research areas. / NSF Solicitation #:
N/A
NLRA Open Period:
7/19/2018 – 10/19/2018
Strategic Focus:
Fundamental Science
Research Area:
A comparison of bovine insulin protein crystals grown in space (left) and on Earth (right).
Media Credit: NASANational Aeronautics and Space Administration
Thus, applications could focus on the following:
1. Targets of interest: proteins for which ground experiments (a) did not yield diffraction quality crystals; (b) yielded diffraction-quality crystals, but higher resolution is desired; or (c) yielded high-resolution structures, but variant forms complexed with small
molecules, such as inhibitors, are desired.
2. Non-biological materials: (a) macromolecular compounds that could uniquely be crystalized in microgravity; (b) systems that could benefit from new crystal structures; or (c) systems that could benefit from larger or more-ordered crystals. Systems may include carbon fiber or carbon nanotubes, catalysts, micromolecular structures, gels, polymers, metals, etc.
Steps to Applying for This Research Opportunity
The ISSInternational Space Station National Laboratory encourages applicants to read the entire solicitation description and proposal instructions carefully before submitting proposed projects to ensure compliance with content and submission guidelines.
** Please verify that none of the information submitted is subject to the export control laws of the United States, such as the EAR or the ITAR; if any information is subject to such laws, please mark all pages containing such information and identify the appropriate export control jurisdiction and classification. **
Thank you for your interest in conducting research leveraging the ISS National Lab! For questions regarding this research announcement, please contact info@ISSNationalLab.org and reference NLRA2018-4 in the subject line.