In-Flight Lab Analysis Technology Demonstration in Reduced Gravity

The Human Health Countermeasures (HHC) element of the NASA Human Research Program (HRP), in a coordinated effort with the International Space Station Medical Project element, is addressing the near-term risk of “loss of Biological Sample Return” by developing point-of-care biomedical lab analysis capabilities for technology demonstration on ISS. In addition, the Exploration Medical Capability (ExMC) element of HRP is leveraging from the HHC task in identifying suitable biomedical analysis platforms to facilitate the recognition and treatment of several medical conditions during long-duration space exploration missions. We have been engaged in several years of technology watch, definition of design principles for spaceflight, identification and monitoring of SBIR and other partners, and working with the end users (medical researchers and flight doctors) to define requirements for inflight lab analysis. As a result, four companies are currently on contract with NASA to demonstrate blood analysis on their unique microfluidic platforms. They will be responsible for measuring four target analytes that are of high priority to the biomedical research community: (25 OH) Vitamin-D, N-terminal telopeptide (NTx), interferon gamma (IFN-#), and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-#).
SBIR Phase III-2 (2012-2013)
SBIR Phase II (2010)
SBIR Phase II (2009)
SBIR Phase I (2009)
SBIR Phase I (2008)

This technology addresses the near-term risk of "loss of Biological Sample Return" by developing point-of-care biomedical lab analysis capabilities for technology demonstration on ISS. The instrument also has applications in the terrestrial environment, which would benefit the nation.

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 4) — 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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