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Exploration
Medical Capability Project Enhances Astronaut Health
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Developed by SBIR partner, this spiral
vortex mixer can be cleaned and reused by reversing the
flow direction. The green color is due to the fluorescent
agent used for detection and analysis.
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Flight surgeons must periodically check the astronauts’ health
status during spaceflight. Current test methods produce waste
from the test material and require disposal. Glenn is working
with Ames Research Center, the DNA Medical Institute, Case Western
Reserve University, and CalTech to create a reusable lab-on-a-chip
device.
In this concept, a drop of blood or urine is
placed on a small microtest chip. Test results quantifying the
health of major organ systems are generally available in a few
minutes. While the system currently in use on the ISS performs
well, each test requires hardware that must be disposed after
one use. Because long duration missions cannot afford the volume
associated with disposable devices, this task seeks to develop
concepts for making the chips reusable.
Glenn is conducting this
work based on their history of agency leadership in microgravity
fluid physics and microfluidics. To date, the team defined performance
parameters required for the microfluidic channels to be reusable,
is working with a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) partner
to develop reusable sensing techniques and mixing channels. The
team will also evaluate CalTech’s microscope on a chip technology
for applicability, as well as systems and concepts developed by
the National Space Biomedical Research Institute. (NSBRI)
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Developed by SBIR partner,
these micron-sized strips made from polydimethylsiloxane
(PDMS) and are able to sense multiple physiological parameters
at once. While not reusable, the size is so small
as to make waste negligible. |
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