Automated Recovery and Isolation of Extraterrestrial Lipids (ARIEL)

LMT proposes to design an instrument for the Automated Recovery and Isolation of Extraterrestrial Lipids (ARIEL) instrument. ARIEL is a sample processing module that can isolate and concentrate fatty acids and amino acids from complex sample matrices (solid, liquid or mixed-phase). It provides concentrated samples cleaned of mineral grains, dissolved ions, and other non-target molecules to enhance detection limits, speciation, and avoids sample degradation during pyrolysis (or other) steps that analytical instruments may employ. ARIEL uses a combination of low-temperature ultrasonic assisted extraction (UAE), solid phase extraction SPE and novel engineering to outperform other sample processing instruments that otherwise expose the analytes to high-temperatures and pressures; are not compatible with organic solvents; only extract medium- and long-chain fatty acids; fail to isolate amino acids, and/or cannot process solid samples. ARIEL overcomes those challenges by operating as follows: a sample is first processed by two sequential ultrasonically-assisted solvent extractions with solvents chosen to target different analytes: (1) amino acids and short-chain fatty acids and (2) medium- and large-chain fatty acids. For each extraction step, the solvent and extracted analytes are filter-separated from the solids and passed through SPE columns that isolate and concentrate: (1) amino acids and short-chain fatty acids; and (2) medium- and large-chain fatty acids. Separate elution steps will be carried out on each column so that ARIEL will output concentrated (and de-salted) samples ready for analysis. LMT proposes to design an instrument for the Automated Recovery and Isolation of Extraterrestrial Lipids (ARIEL) instrument. ARIEL is a sample processing module that can isolate and concentrate fatty acids and amino acids from complex sample matrices (solid, liquid or mixed-phase). It provides concentrated samples cleaned of mineral grains, dissolved ions, and other non-target molecules to enhance detection limits, speciation, and avoids sample degradation during pyrolysis that analytical instruments may employ. ARIEL uses a combination of low-temperature ultrasonic assisted extraction (UAE), solid phase extraction (SPE) and clever engineering to outperform other sample processing instruments that: expose analytes to high-temperatures and pressures; are not compatible with organic solvents; only extract medium- and long-chain fatty acids; fail to isolate amino acids; and cannot process solid samples. ARIEL overcomes these challenges with a series of extractions and analyte isolation by SPE to deliver concentrated (and de-salted) samples ready for analysis. Refine the extraction system designed in Phase I to isolate and concentrate amino acids, water-soluble fatty acids and larger lipids Create a compact, integrated fluidics system to deliver target analytes in a minimal amount of solvent Build a custom ultrasonic extraction system that is compatible with aqueous and organic solvents Design and build a complete control system for ARIEL including electronics, firmware and software that allows precise, autonomous control of ARIEL Proposed deliverables at the end of Phase II :  final report and an ARIEL prototype

NASA has had a long-standing goal of detecting organic molecules throughout the universe. This knowledge provides information about chemical mixing (mainly from small bodies), sheds light on geochemical processes that occur on surfaces, and can provide evidence for extraterrestrial life. More specifically, NASA is interested in detecting amino and fatty acids which are in relatively low abundance. The ARIEL instrument both isolates and concentrates these molecules, thus boosting the detection limits of pre-existing analytical instrumentation. Non-NASA applications of the ARIEL include research facilities that need an automated system for isolating amino and fatty acids. While there are a few processors on the market none have the properties of ARIEL. Another application for ARIEL is in the food and beverage industry. Specifically, quality control in the dietary supplement sector that includes fatty acids in various formulations.  

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.

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