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Integrated Microfluidic Systems in Challenging Environments: Biological Studies in Earth Orbit Tony Ricco
NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA On leave from Stanford University
PharmaSat GeneSat O/OREOS
Life Science Studies in Space: Why, How?
- One of NASA’s missions is human exploration of the solar system
– Study space effects at fundamental biological level to develop strategies/therapies – In-situ experiments: immediate, accurate info. (vs. sample return) – Microgravity plus complex space radiation environment can’t be simulated on Earth – Modern life science research is compatible with small, autonomous payloads – Small satellites offer frequent, inexpensive space access as 2° payloads
- Deleterious effects of space travel are relevant to health on Earth
– Loss of bone density – Atrophy of muscles – Degradation of immune efficiency – Radiation damage
– Some biological effects are accelerated in space: unique insights into their mechanisms could lead to new or more effective therapies
- First Mission: GeneSat-1 demonstrated real-time measurement of gene
expression levels in autonomous 5-kg satellite in Earth orbit
GeneSat-1 model organism: E. coli
- ~1 x 2 !m bacteria
- survive nutrient deprivation in dormant state over wide
- temp. range (4 – 37 °C) until stable orbit
- GFP fusions track expression of key genes
- fluorescent assay of GFP levels
- optical density measurement for population estimate