Dr Sarah Kessans, senior lecturer at the University of Canterbury, has accomplished a first for New Zealand: her research is being sent up to the International Space Station.
Kessans developed a facility for studying crystal growth on protein in collaboration with Arizona State University, and Asteria Engineering Consultancy and Intranel, which are Christchurch companies. The research facility is described as a self-contained, small prototype that allows analysis of multiple experimental conditions while in orbit. These crystal growths are a start in fighting against viruses, according to Kessans.
"These crystals can then be used to create high-resolution pictures of the protein’s structure.
"If we have a detailed picture of what virus proteins look like, for example, we can develop things like antiviral drugs and vaccines."
The low-gravity environment allows for higher-quality crystals to be grown which allows for a better understanding of the way the protein works. With this new understanding, Kessans believes the data from this research will help future development and provide a pathway for more efficient manufacturing of pharmaceuticals and agricultural products.
There will also be a second collection of research focusing on proteins in infectious diseases, cancer, dementia, and the production of high-value compounds. This collection was created through a combined effort of five different University of Canterbury departments.
