Lesson 3: Biomanufacturing in Microgravity

Grade Level

Grades 9-12

Subject Areas

• Biotechnology
• Engineering
• Chemistry

Duration

2 class periods (90 minutes)

Learning Objectives

• Understand biomanufacturing processes for antibodies and drugs
• Analyze unique challenges of production in microgravity
• Explore NASA research on space-based manufacturing
• Design solutions for pharmaceutical production in space
• Evaluate advantages and disadvantages of space biomanufacturing

Key Concepts

Traditional Biomanufacturing

1. Cell culture systems (CHO cells, E. coli, yeast)
2. Fermentation and bioreactor design
3. Purification processes
4. Quality control and testing

Microgravity Effects on Biomanufacturing

Advantages:
- Enhanced protein crystal growth
- Improved 3D cell culture formation
- Reduced sedimentation effects
- Novel protein structures

Challenges:
- Bubble management in bioreactors
- Heat and mass transfer limitations
- Sterility maintenance
- Resource constraints (water, power, materials)

NASA ISS Research

Current Studies:
- Protein crystallization experiments
- 3D bioprinting in microgravity
- Cell culture system development
- Pharmaceutical stability testing

Key Findings:
- Higher quality protein crystals in space
- Enhanced organoid formation
- Challenges with fluid management
- Need for closed-loop systems

Main Activity: Design Challenge

Challenge: Design a Space Bioreactor

Objective: Design a bioreactor system for producing antibodies on the ISS or during Mars missions.

Constraints:
- Limited power (max 500W)
- Volume: 0.5 cubic meters
- Must operate in microgravity
- Minimal crew intervention
- Closed-loop system preferred

Requirements:
- Maintain sterile conditions
- Monitor cell growth and productivity
- Handle gas exchange without bubbles
- Purify product to medical grade
- Safe for crew

Deliverables:
1. Technical drawing/diagram
2. Written explanation of key features
3. Justification for design choices
4. Analysis of challenges and solutions

Assessment

• Design project (40 points)
• Class presentation (20 points)
• Written analysis (20 points)
• Participation (20 points)

Resources

• NASA ISS Research database
• Biomanufacturing process videos
• Pharmaceutical engineering papers
• 3D printing and space manufacturing articles

Part of the Space Medicine Antibody Drug Development Curriculum