Lesson 4: Thermostable Drug Formulations for Space

Grade Level

Grades 9-12

Subject Areas

• Chemistry
• Pharmaceutical Science
• Materials Science

Duration

2 class periods (90 minutes)

Learning Objectives

• Understand drug stability and degradation pathways
• Analyze unique storage challenges in space environments
• Explore formulation strategies for thermostability
• Evaluate NASA requirements for space pharmaceuticals
• Design stable drug formulations

Key Concepts

Drug Stability Factors

Physical Stability:
- Temperature extremes (spacecraft can range from -150°C to +120°C)
- Humidity variations
- Radiation exposure
- Mechanical stress (launch vibrations)

Chemical Stability:
- Hydrolysis
- Oxidation
- Photodegradation
- Deamidation (for proteins)

Space-Specific Challenges

1. Radiation Damage
2. Cosmic rays
3. Solar particle events

4. Effects on drug molecules

5. Temperature Cycling

6. No refrigeration during transit
7. Limited cold storage on ISS

8. Mars surface temperature variations

9. Long Storage Times

10. 3-year Mars mission requirement
11. Limited resupply options

12. Shelf-life extension needs

13. Packaging Constraints

14. Weight and volume limitations
15. Shielding requirements
16. Stability monitoring

Formulation Strategies

Stabilization Techniques:
- Lyophilization (freeze-drying)
- Sugar glass matrices (trehalose, sucrose)
- Liposomal encapsulation
- Polymer-based delivery systems
- Crystalline vs. amorphous forms

NASA Research:
- Pharmaceutical Stability ISS experiments
- Radiation testing of medications
- Long-term storage studies
- Novel formulation development

Activities

Activity 1: Stability Testing Design

Students design an experiment to test drug stability under simulated space conditions.

Activity 2: Formulation Development

Students propose formulation strategies for a specific antibody therapeutic for Mars missions.

Lab Component

• Demonstrate protein stability using egg albumin under various conditions
• Test protective effects of sugars and other stabilizers
• Analyze data and draw conclusions

Assessment

• Lab report (30 points)
• Formulation proposal (30 points)
• Stability testing design (20 points)
• Quiz (20 points)

Resources

• NASA pharmaceutical stability research
• Pharmaceutical formulation textbooks
• ISS experiment databases
• Scientific papers on thermostable vaccines

Part of the Space Medicine Antibody Drug Development Curriculum