On-Orbit Solution Recycling Methods to Improve Scale of Layer-by-Layer Artificial Retina Manufacturing

LambdaVision has developed a protein-based artificial retina to restore vision to the millions of people blinded by retinal degenerative diseases, including retinitis pigmentosa and age-related macular degeneration. The artificial retina thin films are manufactured using a layer-by-layer (LBL) assembly technique, in which alternating layers of the light-activated protein, bacteriorhodopsin, and a polycation binder are deposited onto an ion-permeable film. Because uniform orientation and layer homogeneity of the multilayered implant is critical for achieving activity and long-term performance, LambdaVision is leveraging the unique properties of microgravity that allow for more ordered and consistent three-dimensional assembly of the protein and polymer layers. The microgravity manufacturing paradigms have the potential to improve the quality of the films, reduce intralayer defects, and, as a result, enhance the stability and performance of the artificial retinas for future preclinical and clinical trials. In collaboration with Space Tango, LambdaVision has completed a series of proof-of-principle microgravity experiments that have established a foundation for producing artificial retinas using a low-Earth orbit (LEO) platform. This effort led to the optimization of the CubeLab architecture, though further steps are required to improve the scale of artificial retina manufacturing for commercial production. This Phase I SBIR work plan includes a series of experiments and hardware development used to purify, sterilize, and analyze LBL layering solutions for recycling to improve scale, reduce up-mass raw materials, and reduce waste. The completed tasks will add new on-orbit tools to the established LBL manufacturing paradigm, and solution recycling techniques will ensure that artificial retina production can be achieved at an increased scale on the ISS or future commercial LEO destination.

The outcomes of the proposed Phase I SBIR experiments will help to optimize the use of raw materials in LEO and will yield critical hardware components that will aid in the successful commercialization and scale required for artificial retina production. Moreover, the purification, sterilization, and analytical techniques established in this research will provide new tools for integrating biomaterials as components for in-space production applications.

This research establishes the capabilities required to support LEO commercialization of protein-based artificial retinas. An enhanced LBL assembly process in microgravity can improve thin film manufacturing for many biomedical applications. Strategies to improve scale, control raw material consumption, and improve unit economics will also inspire new research and commercial product development.

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