Anya Vallapureddy

Crystallizing monoclonal antibodies in microgravity can make cancer treatments more effective and accessible

Started Jan. 20, 2026

Abstract or project description

My project is about how crystallizing monoclonal antibodies in microgravity can be used to improve cancer treatments. Microgravity makes MABs form more uniform and stable crystals than in normal gravity environments due to the lack of convection (i think?) This would allow MAB treatments to be administered through a pill or a subcutaneous injection, improving accessibility to treatments and reducing time spent in the hospital. Crystallizing MABs in microgravity would also produce a more stable version of the treatment which would make it easier to transport, especially to developing countries. Additionally, microgravity increases the efficiency of MAB production. Microgravity will also allow scientists to further study MAB structure and function with the higher quality crystals, and form more accurate models of cancer cells, which will allow them to develop more effective treatments in the future.