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Completed TRL 7 (started at 3, targeting 7)
The goal of this project is to develop a method to assess oxidative stress and endothelial function utilizing a reaction-based surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) strategy. Oxidative stress and endothelial function will be assessed by determining blood nitric oxide (NO) and peroxynitrite (ONOO-) concentrations, along with reactive nitrogen species that play protective and regulatory roles in cells and organs. These methods could eventually be adapted for inflight use and could provide in situ analysis of astronaut health on Artemis and/or exploration-class missions. The concept of measuring blood NO and ONOO- levels in humans using a reaction-based SERS method and commercial, handheld Raman spectrometer will be evaluated in a pilot study with volunteer test subjects. The study will document the qualitative and quantitative measurement of NO and ONOO- in whole blood, serum, and plasma.
The effect of radiation on cardiovascular health of astronauts is a significant concern, especially on Artemis and Mars–class missions. Detection of biomarkers usually requires collection and storage of samples for return to Earth for analysis. The ability to monitor cardiovascular health (i.e., blood vessel function) and markers of oxidative stress in situ would be a significant advance in astronaut health care. The capability to measure markers of oxidative stress and endothelial function in a short-step, minimal sample handling method could enable crews to monitor health maintenance throughout a space exploration mission. Ultimately, this will provide new technology for analyzing blood samples that will be easier, faster, cheaper, and less wasteful.
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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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