Microgravity improves production of artificial retina to restore vision ISS NATIONAL LAB OPPORTUNITY

Microgravity improves production of artificial retina to restore vision ISS NATIONAL LAB OPPORTUNITY In space, the reduction in gravity-driven forces enables the production of artificial retinas with much more uniform protein layers, improving quality and reducing waste. https://issnationallab.org/case_study/advancing-artificial-retinas/ LambdaVision developed an artificial retina to restore vision in patients with blindness from macular degeneration. The company creates thin films made of hundreds of layers of a light-sensitive protein, and small, oval-shaped artificial retinas are punched out of the film. During manufacturing on Earth, sedimentation and buoyancy-driven convection cause inconsistencies in the layers, which can render parts of the film unusable. In space, these gravity-driven forces are greatly reduced, making it the ideal environment for manufacturing the films. LambdaVision has conducted nine ISS International Space Station investigations to advance an automated production system, developed in collaboration with ISS National Lab Commercial Service Provider Implementation Partners that own and operate commercial facilities for the support of research on the ISS or are developing future facilities. Space Tango, to produce artificial retinas in space.