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Completed TRL 3 (started at 2, targeting 3)
The objective of this proposal is to design and demonstrate an ultracompact opto-electro-fluidic system that can efficiently preconcentrate and separate low-abundance chiral molecules for in situ life detection. To achieve the objective, I plan to accomplish three specific research aims: (1) demonstrate an electro-fluidic preconcentrator for low-abundance molecules, (2) demonstrate an opto-fluidic separator for enantioselective separation of chiral molecules, and (3) integrate the preconcentrator and separator into a single ultracompact system and test its performances. With its superior performances, the proposed system will become an integral component for the future end-to-end in situ instrument for NASA space science missions. It will also benefit drug screening, drug purification and point-of-care biomedical applications in human space exploration.
Enhance in situ life detection for determining whether other habitable environments and even life itself can be found outside of Earth. Benefit drug screening, drug purification, and point-of-care biomedical applications in human space exploration. Enable the miniature end-to-end in situ instruments in flight missions.
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