New-generation spacecraft water monitoring with flight ready solid state nanopores

In order to provide a fast, simple and reliable way of monitoring water quality on long-duration manned missions, such as transit to, and surface exploration of, the moon and Mars, we propose to develop a miniature analytical sensing instrument based on solid-state nanopore technology. The nanopore sensor would enable in situ detection and quantification of multiple inorganic and organic analytes by utilizing a low-noise and sensitive silicon nitride material. The sensor reader is designed to be compact (cm-scale) and easy to operate, and is integrated with automatic data processing and interpretation. Sensors specifications will be outlined and developed to satisfy the detailed and stringent NASA mission requirements, in consultation with NASA scientists. The technical objectives include: 1) fabricate low-noise sensors (ultrathin SiN nanopore chips), 2) establish the optimal sensor protocol (cleaning, coating and storage) methods, 3) develop the protocols for detecting target analytes in pure samples, 4) demonstrate and validate measurement capability in the matrix of simulant ISS water samples and confirm the sensor sensitivity and selectivity, 5) develop an integrated data processing system with validated functionalities of fast, reliable and automatic data analysis and visualization with minimum manual intervention, 6) create a database of all the above measurement results including all parameters, and 7) specify flight readiness parameters needed for NASA mission, and discuss with NASA stakeholders on the specific requirements and expectation of deliverables and the remote simultaneous testing in NASA labs and Goeppert lab. This Phase II project will focus on improving the overall analytical capability of the sensor in the context of environmental water samples and optimizing the data analysis efficiency and effectiveness that serves as a reliable miniaturized water monitoring platform and can be rapidly fused in current or future NASA crewed missions. We propose to develop a miniature analytical sensing instrument based on solid-state nanopore sensors to enable spacecraft water monitoring on long-duration manned missions, such as transit to, and surface exploration of, the moon and Mars. One of the most important functions of life-support systems for manned space missions is ensuring the quality of potable water to protect astronaut health. This requires detection and characterization of both organic and inorganic contaminants, a process that currently requires numerous types of equipment. Here we present our vision for a compact, simple-to-use, sensitive, and specific analytical instrument capable of detection and quantification of organic and inorganic contaminants in water. This analytical instrument will address the dire need for more comprehensive water monitoring capabilities for long-duration manned missions. In addition to detection of identified contaminants, our system will possess the flexibility to adapt to new and emerging potential contaminants that may arise. The overall goal of this Phase II work is to mature the solid-state nanopore sensor platform featuring small footprint and rapid turnaround time, that best satisfies the spacecraft water monitoring needs. Furthermore, instrument’s specifications will be outlined and developed to meet the detailed and stringent NASA mission requirements, in consultation with the NASA scientists. The technical objectives include: Fabricate low-noise sensors (ultrathin SiN nanopore chips). Establish the optimal sensor protocol (cleaning, coating and storage) methods. Develop the protocols for detecting target analytes in pure samples  Demonstrate and validate measurement capability in the matrix of simulant ISS water samples and confirm the sensor sensitivity and selectivity. Develop an integrated data processing system with validated functionalities of fast, reliable and automatic data analysis and visualization with minimum manual intervention. Create a database of all the above measurement results including all parameters. Specify flight readiness parameters needed for NASA missions. Discuss with NASA stakeholders on the specific requirements and expectation of deliverables in order to be rapidly transition to future NASA missions. Discuss with NASA scientists on remote simultaneous testing in NASA labs and Goeppert lab.     

Our technology features a novel single-molecule detection method designed for water monitoring in spacecrafts. This advanced instrument can be crucial to support the life of crew during long-duration manned missions. The maintenance of safe living conditions is important to support the scientific activities of the crew when away from Earth, including the Artemis Gateway and exploration of the Moon and Mars, both on the surface and in transit, and to ensure their safe and unharmed return to Earth upon mission completion.  The proposed nanopore sensor architecture, with its miniaturized and robust design has potential in a wide variety of terrestrial applications ranging from DNA sequencing, point-of-care diagnostics, human pathogen surveillance to agricultural. Additionally, the small molecule analysis capability can be applied to the EPA and USDA needs for measuring water quality.

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