Silk Composite Biomaterials for Shielding Medications in Space

The goal is to utilize silk protein, an US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved protein biomaterial, in composite material formats, to shield and protect a range of medications -- addressing topic #5 in Biomedical Research Advances for Space Health (BRASH) 1801 - New materials for shielding medications. We will utilize novel formulations of the silk protein in composite formats with inorganic particles, as both pouch and as part of the material, to demonstrate broad protection of a range of drugs during exposure to environmental extremes using accelerated testing, mechanistic insights and modeling, and functional assessments. The outcome will be new composite material systems that provide broad-ranged protection, a preliminary model for predictive outcomes, and publications.

Silk and the additives have potential to provide protection for medications against environmental stresses, such as elevated temperature and radiation. Such protection would ensure that medications retain bioactivity and are safe to use by the space crew during long duration mission missions. Silk also provides a versatile material that can be morphed into useful applications (e.g., other material formats) for space missions, while also serving as a backup protein source if needed.

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 2) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.

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