MICROENCAPSULATION ELECTROSTATIC PROCESSING SYSTEMS (MEPS)
Research Area: Microencapsulation
Expedition(s): 5
Principal Investigator(s): ● Dennis R. Morrison, PhD, Johnson Space Center, Houston,
Texas
RESEARCH OBJECTIVES
A single-step process forming a tiny liquid-filled, biodegradable, micro-balloons containing
various drug solutions (a process called microgravity micro-encapsulation) has been shown to
provide better drug delivery and new medical treatments for solid tumors and resistant
infections. Recent testing in mouse models has shown that these
unique microcapsules can be injected into human prostate tumors
to inhibit tumor growth or can be injected following cryo-surgery
(freezing) to improve the destruction of the tumors much better
than freezing or local chemotherapy alone. The microcapsules also
contain a contrast agent that enables C-T, X-ray or ultrasound
imaging to monitor the distribution within the tissues to insure
that the entire tumor is treated when the microcapsules release
their drug contents.
EARTH BENEFITS
The utilization of microcapsules can benefit the treatment of
several diseases here on Earth. Microcapsules can be inhaled to
deliver antibiotic and immune stimulant drugs to treat inhaled
bacterial infections of the lungs. These unique microcapsules can
be injected directly into solid tumors to provide local, sustained
release, of anti-cancer drugs. The microcapsules can be imaged
with C-T scans or ultrasound to insure that the release
combinations of medications slowly over 12-14 days, which can be
delivered directly to the target tumors. Since the drug release is
local, using these mirocapsules reduces the unwanted side effects
of systemic (intravenous) chemotherapy, which involves large
amount of drugs producing major side effects throughout the
entire body.
SPACE BENEFIT
MEPS expands our understanding of the use of microgravity to
enable development of new drug delivery devices. These new
discoveries can help protect crew members on long-duration
space missions and provide alternative delivery routes and
countermeasures to injured or sick crew members.
Micro-balloons containing
anti-tumor drugs and small
amounts of radio-contrast oil
were created during
Microencapsulation
Electrostatic Processing
Systems operations on STS-- The radio-contrast oil is
traceable by radiograph and
allows doctors to follow the
microcapsules as they travel
to the tumor. The permeable
outer skin releases the drug
slowly, giving the
microcapsule plenty of time to
reach its destination. This
slow release prevents artery
damage as the drug travels to
its destination. NASA’s
Johnson Space Center
image.