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The goal of the effort is to develop a miniaturized instrument for continuous monitoring of the biological response to deep space radiation. The biological effects of the deep space radiation environment are critical gaps in our knowledge and preparedness for beyond low Earth orbit (LEO) missions. There is currently no data on the long duration, chronic response of biological specimens to protracted space-relevant doses of galactic cosmic radiation (GCR) as would be experienced by astronauts over months or years. Such studies are not possible using Earth-based accelerators and biosensors have not yet been flown into deep space. Significant countermeasures, likely both technological and biomedical, will be required to protect astronauts from the effects of chronic radiation exposure. Biosensors that house sensitive, small-volume instrumentation, and human translational biological models can conduct high-impact science to inform these countermeasures. The proposed technology establishes a means of autonomously studying the real-time behavior of cells exposed to space radiation. This work proposes to enhance, miniaturize, and leverage dielectric spectroscopy technology to assess a variety of cell health parameters altered by radiation exposure. The approach utilizes the budding yeast S. cerevisiae as a validation model due to its genetic tractability, desiccation tolerance, and ability to survive for prolonged periods with minimal life support, all of which make it ideal for future spaceflight applications. Furthermore, half of the essential yeast genes are replaceable with their human counterparts, meaning results will have robust human-translational applicability.
Biological response to low doses of space-relevant radiation has been observed via optical detection. Bio changes (cell size & shape) go along with changes in electrical signature. Dielectric spectroscopy uses these signatures as a novel means of quantifying cell activity & physiology. It has been used to detect cell cycle changes, pathogen presence & protein binding.
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