Redwire boosts PIL-BOX in-space drug development technology

Redwire is expanding its in-space drug development programme as it launches a new version of its PIL-BOX technology for a cancer-detection experiment.

To complement the existing PIL-BOX platform, the Florida-based space infrastructure company is launching a high-volume Industrial Crystallizer. It says it will be capable of processing samples of 200 times the volume of current levels.

It says the crystallizer technology could provide a roadmap for commercialising the fabrication of materials on the ISS, which is where the kit is heading.

PIL-BOX

To validate the hardware, Redwire says it will attempt to produce gold nanospheres in space for the first time. Gold nanoparticles show promise as a cancer therapeutic due to their unique properties.

They are already in use, for example, as a biomedical testing tool for early detection of cancer and other diseases, the company highlights.

Gold

Specifically, it believes the innovations could lead to improved cancer management:

“Gold nanospheres could lead to early testing and diagnosis of cancer and other diseases, targeted drug delivery, and enhanced radiation and photothermal therapy, offering a promising approach to cancer management,” said Redwire’s President of In-Space Industries, John Vellinger.

“Producing golden nanospheres in space is expected to yield both tighter size distributions and larger gold nanospheres without compromising surface structure and ultimately producing spheres of higher quality.”

The Industrial Crystallizer and Golden Balls experiment launched on board SpaceX’s 32nd commercial resupply mission. This was heading to the International Space Station at the end of last month.

Pictured right, Redwire prepares the PIL-BOX units ahead of their launch to the international space station.