Monitoring Radiation-Induced DNA Degradation

The MEMS (Micro Electro-Mechanical Systems) Radiation project is developing a miniaturized microfluidic (lab-on-a-chip) device that is designed to monitor DNA damage, in real-time, resulting from radiation exposure in space. The instrument under development will (a) use the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to amplify DNA, (b) thermally image the micro?device to monitor thermal gradients for proper thermal exposure, and (c) use fluorescent imaging to monitor radiation?induced changes in DNA composition. The ultimate goal is to help understand the details of radiation exposure in space and potentially serve as a radiation rapid warning device for astronauts.

There is currently no flight-ready DNA melting analysis hardware available in a low-G environment. Hardware will be used to determine, in real time, the level of DNA damage caused by radiation in the spaceflight environment. Potential users of the matured technology include ISS space biology researchers and medical professionals on Earth.

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 5) — 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.

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