Ultra-Compact Urinary Calcium Measurement Device: Refinement and Application

Slowing bone loss and preventing kidney stone formation are critical for successful spaceflight. The capability to track bone loss and kidney stone risk while in space would allow these risks to be monitored directly and would enable individualized countermeasure programs. At present, post-flight measurements are used to establish the effectiveness of the in-flight bone loss/kidney stone prevention program. A preventive approach would offer much greater operational flexibility, where ongoing in-flight measurements of countermeasure effectiveness would allow for adjustments in the countermeasure program during the flight. This approach could also be used during times when countermeasure equipment is broken, or when scheduling impacts the countermeasure program, to assess how this is affecting bone loss and kidney stone risk. In a previous NASA Omnibus project, we developed a prototype compact, low-power system to make urinary calcium measurements in space. This approach has proven to be feasible, but further development is needed to advance toward flight use.

The objective of the current project is to improve this ultra-compact, robust, urinary calcium measurement system. This study will further a technology that may offer a personalized, preventive approach to bone loss and kidney stone prevention in space.

This research benefits life on Earth by developing a low cost, portable, and simple way to test urine calcium concentration in a remote setting or from the comfort of one's own home. This can be used for early detection of kidney disease. At-home testing of urinary calcium biomarkers allows individuals to monitor their kidney function regularly. This can help detect kidney disease at an early stage, thus enabling timely treatment and preventing further damage. A device with this portability and form factor promotes convenience. At-home testing of urinary calcium biomarkers is quick, easy, and can be done in the privacy of one's own home. This convenience can encourage more individuals to monitor their kidney function regularly. The simplicity of this device can also be cost-effective. At-home testing of urinary calcium biomarkers is less expensive than going to a healthcare provider for the same test. This cost savings can increase access to kidney health testing for individuals who cannot afford traditional healthcare services. This in turn has public health benefits. Regular monitoring of urinary calcium biomarkers can help identify populations at risk for certain health conditions, including kidney disease, and allow for targeted public health interventions. Overall, a low cost, simple, and portable device for measuring urinary calcium biomarkers can promote early detection of kidney disease, provide convenience and cost savings, and have significant public health benefits.

This is a mature technology (TRL 7+) — the realistic path in is usually NASA's Technology Transfer Program: licensing an existing NASA patent, or a Space Act Agreement to use NASA facilities/expertise directly. NASA also runs a startup licensing program with no upfront fee for companies formed to commercialize a specific NASA technology.

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.