Nanofluidic Implant Communication Experiment Tested In Space

The Nanofluidic Implant Communication Experiment (NICE) (Faraday-NICE) aims to develop an implantable drug delivery system that allows for remote control and modulation of the release of therapeutics over weeks to months.

In this investigation, fully assembled implantable devices are tested for remote communication capabilities from Earth to the International Space Station (ISS). This investigation aims to verify that 100% of the communications between controller and implant is achieved and maintained on station.

Implants are immersed in saline solution, a surrogate of physiological conditions, then placed and sealed in 15 ml containers. The tubes are mounted within the ProxOpS Faraday experimental box.

Image Credit: Houston Methodist Research Institute
jsc2021e037283 (8/11/2021) – larger image