Protein crystals grown in microgravity could yield antidotes for nerve agents
University Of Utah
The most commonly used FDA-approved antidote—Pralidoxime (2-PAM)—disengages the organophosphate molecule from the AChE protein, which can return to normal functions. Over the next four months, the cocktail will dehydrate the protein solution, allowing the AChE protein to crystalize and grow in the microgravity of the space station. Credit: DOE Deep within the gorge lies the active enzyme site, where the neurotransmitter, acetylcholine, is broken down and antidotes function. Send the crystals to space. In space, those blocks are brought together in a more regular pattern to form a better crystal.