LuxBio: Light-based biological sensing and control for automated deep-space experimentation

Proposed Goals/Objectives: The BioSentinel/LEIA BioSensor, an automated microbiological payload with deep-space flight heritage, supports microbiological experiments essential to long-term space exploration. Our FY25 IRAD, “Fluorescence detection and optogenetic activation for microbial experimentation beyond LEO,” laid the groundwork to expand its measurement capabilities from just optical absorbance to fluorescence, a more versatile biological reporter; and demonstrated the use of light to control microbial growth opto-genetically. In FY26, LuxBio will improve detection and add two new measurement capabilities: 1) photosynthetic capacity in cyanobacteria, and 2) bioluminescence, another versatile reporter, empowering the BioSensor for experiments to develop biological life support and countermeasures to support human life in space.

Plans in FY26: (A) Demonstrate two additional assays: 1) photosynthetic capacity of cyanobacteria; 2) bioluminescence reporter expression in yeast, (B) Integrate fluidics system with optical system. (C) Improve hardware for long-term biological growth assays. Milestones: 1) Build prototype hardware v 2.0;2) Generate data from 2 improved and 2newbiological assays; 3) Publish manuscript, software packages, and user guide.

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.