← Back to NASA Technology Projects
Completed TRL 3 (started at 2, targeting 3)
One of the health risks astronauts face is high exposure to ionizing radiation from cosmic rays and solar particle events. Astronaut safety from radiation is of increasing concern as we begin to explore longer distance space flights to Mars and beyond. Although radiation exposure is monitored pre- and post-flight, there are currently no in-flight solutions to rapidly assess individual radiation dose. The main roadblock with radiation monitoring in-flight is that traditional clinical techniques to determine radiation dosage cannot be easily performed. The proposed work is significant because it fulfills a technology need for astronaut health monitoring. As denoted in technology area 6.5.5.2 (monitoring technology for radiation), there is a need for a minimally invasive, compact biodosimeter that can be used for spaceflight applications. This work seeks to fulfill this need by determining individual radiation dose by consolidating detection and quantification of biomarkers into one form-factor via development of a glass microfiber-based biodosimeter. Radiation exposure will be determined through quantification of microRNA-150 and total antioxidant capacity from finger prick blood plasma. Separation of plasma from whole blood for analysis occurs directly on platform without the need for external equipment.
The specific aims for this project are to improve the microfluidic device design and fabrication steps in order to maximize separation efficiency of plasma from finger prick-derived whole blood; to incorporate an on-platform, downstream assay that can quantify radiation dosage in individuals via colorimetric detection and quantification of plasma microRNA-150; and to incorporate an on-platform, downstream, colorimetric assay to quantify radiation dosage in individuals through determination of total antioxidant capacity in blood. The microRNA-150 assay is a sandwich hybridization assay adapted for the glass microfiber platform. Gold nanoparticles will be functionalized to conjugate to microRNA-150 for visualization and quantification. The total antioxidant capacity assay is adapted from the Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) decolorization assay for the glass microfiber platform. In the case of both assays, reagents will already be impregnated to the device. The user simply needs to introduce their finger prick blood to the biodosimeter in order to receive a quantifiable result.
The proposed glass microfiber-based biodosimeter is simple, stable, and requires no external power supply. A system appropriate for a space mission duration of three years with three crew members will weigh less than a kilogram and occupy a volume of less than 100 cubic centimeters including all consumables. This technology is versatile and could also be adapted to detect other promising biomarkers for radiation dose or other health conditions for both spaceflight and terrestrial applications.
Listed on TechPort itself — the most direct way to ask about this specific project.
This is early/mid-stage (TRL 3) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.
None of these are guaranteed paths for this specific project — TechPort itself doesn't have an "apply" button. Reaching out to the contact(s) above with a specific question is usually the fastest way to find out what's actually open.