‍Finer than Nanotech: Picoparticles and Microgravity

Introduction

Nanotechnology is nearly a household word, but it may be supplanted soon by techniques that allow us to manipulate matter at even smaller scales. While nanotech operates at scales up to 100 nanometers (nm), or one-billionth of a meter, picotechnologies are almost unfathomably fine: working at a trillionth of a meter (European Commission, n.d.).

As we’ve previously seen, microgravity has already been instrumental in producing therapeutics that cross the blood-brain-barrier. These conditions offer substantial advantages in manufacturing highly dispersed, ultra-small particles.

Here matter can be studied at the atomic and subatomic levels, which has applications for biomedicine, water treatment, data storage, and engineering (Pashazadeh-Panahi, 2019).  

In 2019, an experiment aboard the International Space Station (ISS) successfully produced picoparticles to enhance Alzheimer’s drug delivery. Nanoparticles, known as Bryosomes, were encapsulated within a frozen “ice-cream cake” consisting of layers of cell culture media and HEK-293 cells in collagen. After a series of freeze-thaw cycles, the Bryosomes were returned to earth, where they had significantly reduced in size, showing greater efficiency in drug delivery (Aphios Corporation, 2024).

Picoparticle Behavior in Microgravity

Picoparticle are especially useful in drug manufacturing, where size and dispersion are critical for efficacy. Smaller, well-dispersed particles show superior performance, stability, and appearance (Danaei, 2018).

Microgravity is ideal for enhancing dispersion. While earth’s gravity causes sedimentation, particles remain suspended in microgravity, allowing controlled and even dispersion. This prolonged weightlessness prevents clumping, leading to highly uniform picoparticles. A study using dynamic light scattering techniques showed that, while ground experiments mirrored some results found in microgravity, the suspension allowed for more control over particle size and distribution (Pyttlik, 2022).

The absence of sedimentation changes how fluids and particles interact. This is invaluable for biomedical applications, where stable, well-dispersed particles can lead to more effective therapies (Green, 2003).

Picoparticle Applications in Microgravity

Still in its infancy, research into picoparticles offers a glimpse into transformative applications, especially when synthesized in microgravity. These applications extend beyond drug delivery and include materials processing, manufacturing techniques, and theoretical physics.

In the field of biomedicine, the size and properties of picoparticles allow them to bypass inconvenient obstacles; picoparticles can cross the blood-brain barrier more easily than larger nanoparticles, offering hope for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s. The Bryostatin-1 experiment aboard the ISS demonstrated how microgravity could facilitate the creation of smaller, more efficient drug carriers (Aphios Corporation, n.d.).

Applications go beyond medicine. Nanoparticles are already used to augment the properties of various materials, from durability to electrical conductivity. Water and air purification, anti-fog and anti-corrosive coatings, better batteries, and faster electronic components. 

Particulate materials like dust, dirt, and are essential on earth, helping store resources like water, gas, and oil. Studying these particles in microgravity allows scientists to better understand the weak forces acting on them, advancing both theoretical models and practical applications like powder-based manufacturing processes. In environments where uniform distribution of particles is crucial, such as 3D printing or high-precision manufacturing, the enhanced behavior of picoparticles in microgravity will be incorporated with gusto (NASA, n.d.).

Challenges, Limitations, and the Road Ahead

One major hurdle is the complexity of selecting appropriate measurement methods. Different techniques have varying levels of sensitivity, and combining these methods—known as orthogonal measurement—can sometimes yield inconsistent results. Accurately characterizing particles at such small scales remains a challenge within and without microgravity (Clogston, 2019).

Another limitation lies in the difficulty of isolating and studying individual picoparticles. Particle dispersion systems and Aphios’ SuperFluids CFN (Critical Fluid Nanosomes) technology, are necessary to conduct meaningful experiments. These endeavors can require collaboration between top-tier scientists and advanced technological resources, underscoring the (present) difficulty of conducting independent research in this field (GEBN, 2021).

Access to microgravity environments remains limited, although the landscape is changing thanks to companies like Litegrav. ‍

Litegrav is pioneering simulated microgravity, making experimentation broadly accessible and less reliant on space missions. As these technologies mature, they will accelerate advancements in picotechnology and other space-bioscience fields, like microgravity crystallization.

Conclusion

The path forward for picotechnology is being paved by visionary companies like Litegrav and Aphios, alongside public entities like NASA. These organizations are driving the future of biological and material sciences by harnessing microgravity’s tremendous promise. From these investigations, it is safe to expect new advancements in drug delivery formulation, manufacturing, and theoretical science that improve our lives while deepening our appreciation of the universe at its most infinitesimal.

Reference and Suggested Reading

Aphios Corporation. (2024, January 30). Biotechnology brings microgravity down to Earth. Retrieved October 14, 2024, from https://aphios.com/press-release-articles/biotechnology-brings-microgravity-down-to-earth/

Clogston, J. D., Hackley, V. A., Prina-Mello, A., Puri, S., Sonzini, S., Soo, P. L. (2019). Sizing up the next generation of nanomedicines. Pharm Res, 37(1):6. doi: 10.1007/s11095-019-2736-y

Danaei, M., Dehghankhold, M., Ataei, S., Hasanzadeh Davarani, F., Javanmard, R., Dokhani, A., Khorasani, S., & Mozafari, M. R. (2018). Impact of particle size and polydispersity index on the clinical applications of lipidic nanocarrier systems. Pharmaceutics, 10(2):57. doi: 10.3390/pharmaceutics10020057

European Commission. (n.d.). Nanotechnologies: Introduction. Retrieved October 14, 2024, from https://ec.europa.eu/health/scientific_committees/opinions_layman/en/nanotechnologies/l-2/1-introduction.htm#:~:text=Nanotechnology%20refers%20to%20the%20branch,of%20a%20millimetre)%20or%20less.

Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News. (2021, February 1). Biotechnology brings microgravity down to Earth. Retrieved from https://www.genengnews.com/topics/drug-discovery/biotechnology-brings-microgravity-down-to-earth/

Green, R. D., Myers, J. G., & Hansen, B. L. (2003). Preliminary results of a microgravity investigation to measure net charge on granular materials. National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Glenn Research Center. Retrieved from https://ntrs.nasa.gov/api/citations/20030016684/downloads/20030016684.pdf

Khamis, M., et al. (2019). Nanoparticle-Based Coatings for Corrosion Protection: A Review. Coatings, 9(12), 835. doi: 10.3390/coatings9120835

Liu, Y., et al. (2019). Nanomaterials for Energy Storage: A Review. Materials Today Energy, 12, 90-107. doi: 10.1016/j.mtener.2019.02.001

NASA Flight Opportunities. (n.d.). Particle Dispersion System for Microgravity Environments. Retrieved October 15, 2024, from https://flightopportunities.ndc.nasa.gov/technologies/37/

Pashazadeh-Panahi, P., & Hasanzadeh, M. (2019). Revolution in biomedicine using emerging picomaterials: A breakthrough on the future of medical diagnosis and therapy. Biomed Pharmacother, 120:109484. doi: 10.1016/j.biopha.2019.109484

Pyttlik, A., Kuttich, B., & Kraus, T. (2022). Dynamic light scattering on nanoparticles in microgravity in a drop tower. Microgravity Sci. Technol., 34:13. doi: 10.1007/s12217-022-09928-5

Wang, H., et al. (2020). Nanoparticles in Electronics: Opportunities and Challenges. Advanced Materials, 32(16), 1908212. doi: 10.1002/adma.201908212

Wang, Y., et al. (2015). Superhydrophilic and Anti-fogging Coatings Based on Nanoparticle Assemblies. Journal of Materials Chemistry A, 3(24), 12850-12856. doi: 10.1039/C5TA01201C

Zhang, J., et al. (2018). Nanoparticles for Water Treatment: A Review. Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 25(3), 2260-2275. doi: 10.1007/s11356-017-0451-6

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