Nanoscale Test Strips for Multiplexed Blood Analysis

The goal of our nanoscale test strips, or nanostrips, is to provide rapid, low-cost, powerful multiplexed analyses in a diminutive form so that whole body health checks can be performed on a single drop of blood. The approach is conceptually similar to pH or urinalysis test strips which allow multiplexed measurements in a linear format. The main difference is that we are proposing test strips at the nanoscale, shrunk in size over a billion-fold in volume, allowing multiple sensing elements to be included in a tiny area. In Phase I, we fabricated, tested, and demonstrated functional parathyroid hormone and vitamin D nanostrips for bone metabolism. Furthermore, we developed thrombin aptamer and immune IgG antibody nanostrips. For Phase II, we will develop a breadth of nanostrips designed to address key space-flight medical needs. These will be for assessment of bone metabolism, immune response, cardiac status, liver metabolism, and lipid profiles. We plan to enhance our technology capabilities by developing a Rapid Nanostrip Assay Capability, mix-and-run assay capability, in-house aptamer production, advanced lyophilization technology, and nanostrip accelerated stability tests. The nanostrips will be read out in a time-of-flight flow-based manner utilizing our rHEALTH sensor.

This is a mature technology (TRL 7+) — the realistic path in is usually NASA's Technology Transfer Program: licensing an existing NASA patent, or a Space Act Agreement to use NASA facilities/expertise directly. NASA also runs a startup licensing program with no upfront fee for companies formed to commercialize a specific NASA technology.

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