J. Scoccimerra, T. Thompson, S. Bankapur
Helogen Corporation,
United States
Keywords: In-Space Manufacturing, Pharmaceutical Manufacturing, Interoperability, Advanced Biomanufacturing
Summary:
The integration of satellite platforms and the unique microgravity environment of space is revolutionizing the field of biomanufacturing. By leveraging space-based conditions, Helogen Corporation accelerates biological processes, facilitating rapid drug discovery and enabling groundbreaking advancements in healthcare, wellness, and cosmetics. These innovations are transforming industries by overcoming terrestrial limitations and fast-tracking products to market. Microgravity significantly enhances biological and chemical processes by eliminating sedimentation and convection, which are ubiquitous on Earth. These effects enable the formation of higher-fidelity tissue models, tighter meshes in biopolymers, and more uniform material properties. For example, bacterial nanocellulose (BNC), a high-strength, ultra-pure biopolymer used in wound dressings and bioplastics, exhibits superior characteristics when manufactured in microgravity. Odyssey’s proprietary bioreactors, designed specifically for space applications, maximize these advantages, producing BNC with tighter meshes and enhanced mechanical strength, qualities that are challenging to achieve in ground-based facilities. In parallel, the heightened radiation environment in orbit serves as a unique tool for studying the effects of radiation on biological systems. For instance, Helogen utilizes TK6 lymphoblast cells and DNA repair inhibitors in microgravity to explore strategies for mitigating secondary radiation effects on healthy tissues. By analyzing space-grown samples, researchers can identify novel protective pathways and accelerate the development of radioprotective drugs. Satellite-based lab platforms provide unmatched capabilities for high-throughput screening (HTS) and advanced biomanufacturing. Space-grown organoids, formed faster and with greater fidelity than their terrestrial counterparts, allow for more precise modeling of diseases such as cancer. HTS performed in orbit using these organoids accelerates drug pipelines, shaving years off development timelines and reducing associated costs. For tissue engineering, four months in space can replicate a decade of biological aging, enabling rapid testing of anti-aging therapies, regenerative medicine, and cosmetic innovations. The Helogen platform provides end-to-end solutions, combining proprietary mission design software, hardware with proven space heritage, and flexible workflows tailored to customer needs. Turnkey solutions allow companies to focus on their science while Helogen manages hardware, logistics, regulatory approvals, and mission execution. Proprietary hardware supports a wide range of remote observations, including fluorescence imaging, gene expression analysis, and real-time sequencing through the Multi-Modal Culture Sequencer (MCS). This plug-and-play capability ensures seamless integration into diverse research workflows. The potential applications of space-enabled biomanufacturing are vast, spanning pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, wellness, agriculture, and industrial materials. Space-grown bioproducts, such as organoids, biopolymers, and proteins, promise enhanced performance, longer shelf life, and novel properties unattainable on Earth. These innovations address pressing industry challenges, including the need for sustainable materials, cost-efficient drug pipelines, and high-performance biomaterials.