Nanoparticles could be critical for for astronauts on deep space missions

Nanoparticles could be critical for for astronauts on deep space missions
by Clarence Oxford
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Sep 26, 2024

NaNotics LLC, a biopharmaceutical company specializing in subtractive nanoparticles called NaNots, has been chosen to participate in the first-ever SPACE-H Accelerator program. This initiative, a collaboration between Starburst, NASA's Human Research Program (NASA HRP), the Translational Research Institute for Space Health (TRISH), Methuselah Foundation, and Microsoft Federal, is designed to foster innovations that address the health and performance risks associated with human spaceflight. The program's mission is "to support entrepreneurs working to advance biological and medical capabilities with the potential to minimize the health and performance risks in human spaceflight."

Space presents serious health challenges for astronauts due to its harsh environment. Extended exposure to space conditions can accelerate aging and increase the risk of diseases. Additionally, the limited space, weight, and training needed to operate Earth-based medical equipment make it difficult to deliver conventional treatments. The growing interest in space exploration, such as NASA's Artemis program aimed at establishing a permanent lunar base, underscores the need for advanced research and autonomous health systems that can safeguard astronauts' health on long missions.

"Space-H has been set up specifically to accelerate advanced health systems to support space exploration," commented Elizabeth Reynolds, Starburst's USA Managing Director. "We selected NaNotics LLC for our inaugural program because NaNots - a highly novel therapeutic platform - have the potential to address significant medical challenges associated with deep space travel."

NaNots are a new class of medicine designed to treat cancer and inflammatory diseases by adsorbing and removing disease-causing molecules from the bloodstream. For example, significant tumor suppression has been observed through the adsorption of tumor-generated immune inhibitors. The Mayo Clinic reported the results of NaNots in a humanized mouse model of triple negative breast cancer, a condition that does not respond well to traditional therapies. Additionally, NaNots can be used to prevent deadly cytokine storms by rapidly neutralizing inflammatory molecules that cause these reactions. Their simplicity makes them ideal for space missions, as they can be administered by injection and monitored using portable blood analyzers.

"We're very excited to have been selected for the first cohort of the SPACE-H program," said Lou Hawthorne, CEO of NaNotics and inventor of NaNots. "The SPACE-H program is run by some of the world's top technologists; their interest in our work speaks to the advanced nature of the NaNot platform and its potential significance for maintaining health in space as well as on Earth."

For more details on NaNots and their potential applications in space, download the company's white paper titled "NaNots for Astronauts" here: