{"project":{"acronym":"","projectId":94555,"title":"Detecting life in Ocean Worlds with low-capacitance solid-state nanopores","primaryTaxonomyNodes":[{"taxonomyNodeId":10741,"taxonomyRootId":8816,"parentNodeId":10740,"level":3,"code":"TX08.1.1","title":"Detectors and Focal Planes","definition":"Detectors, focal planes and readout integrated circuits provide large-format array technologies that require high quantum efficiency (QE); low noise, high resolution, uniform, and stable response; low power and cost; and high reliability. These technologies include low-noise, high-speed, low-power and radiation hardened readout integrated circuit (ROIC) electronics; superconducting sensors; spectral detectors; polarization-sensitive detectors; radiation-hardened detectors; and micro-Kelvin and sub-Kelvin high sensitivity detectors that cover the spectrum from submillimeter wave (Far-IR) to X-ray.","exampleTechnologies":"Backshort Undergrid bolometer arrays, Mercury Cadmium Telluride and Strained Superlattice Arrays, charge coupled devices, sidecar readout integrated circuits, radiometric calibration and abnormality correction algorithms (e.g. non-uniformity)","hasChildren":false,"hasInteriorContent":true}],"startTrl":2,"currentTrl":4,"endTrl":4,"benefits":"This project is directly aligned with the SeqLOW COLDTech development goals for the Development of Nanopore Sequencing for Automated Ocean World Life Detection led by Program Officer Dr. Christopher McKay at the NASA Ames Research Center.
The proposed nanopore technology developed as part of this NASA SBIR project can also be applied by the Environmental Protection Agency in their projects related to measuring the quality of water. For example, the 2017 SBIR solicitation by the EPA included two focus areas involving water testing. The US Department of Agriculture also regularly has a need for novel water analysis instruments. For example, the 2017 USDA SBIR solicitation had three focus areas related to water analysis.","description":"The goals of this proposal to develop a robust solid-state nanopore platform are directly aligned with the SeqLOW COLDTech development goals for the Development of Nanopore Sequencing for Automated Ocean World Life Detection led by Program Officer Dr. Christopher McKay at the NASA Ames Research Center. The specific goals include the robust fabrication of solid-state nanopore membranes and nanopore arrays with different pore diameters tailored for detection of multiple types of biomarkers depending on their sizes and expected properties (i.e. DNA, charged proteins, amino acids, etc.). Further development of this platform needs to include the integration of nanopore chips with microfluidics and also, on chip electronics, suitable to produce a compact, integrated and self-contained platform that is small, portable and sufficiently robust to be suitable for long duration space missions. As described below, protein pore-based DNA sequencers, now in the process of beta-testing by Oxford Nanopores (the Minion), are not robust enough for space exploration applications, and there is a need to replicate successes of protein pores in solid-state membranes such as silicon, graphene, metal dichalcogenides or other promising materials that can be fabricated in the form of thin membranes. The need for accuracy for this NASA application to detect and prove the potential existence of extant life, although synergistic, may be somewhat different than the DNA sequencing requirements that has been the focus of the Minion. Specifically, here we seek to potentially detect and distinguish between a range of small biomolecules, including aminoacids, lipids, and other. This requires a range of robust nanopores of controlled diameters and properties, optimally sensitive to different analytes.","startYear":2018,"startMonth":7,"endYear":2019,"endMonth":2,"statusDescription":"Completed","principalInvestigators":[{"contactId":110022,"canUserEdit":false,"firstName":"David","lastName":"Niedzwiecki","fullName":"David Niedzwiecki","fullNameInverted":"Niedzwiecki, David","primaryEmail":"dn@gppert.com","publicEmail":true,"nacontact":false}],"programDirectors":[{"contactId":206378,"canUserEdit":false,"firstName":"Jason","lastName":"Kessler","fullName":"Jason L Kessler","fullNameInverted":"Kessler, Jason L","middleInitial":"L","primaryEmail":"jason.l.kessler@nasa.gov","publicEmail":true,"nacontact":false}],"programExecutives":[{"contactId":215154,"canUserEdit":false,"firstName":"Jennifer","lastName":"Gustetic","fullName":"Jennifer L Gustetic","fullNameInverted":"Gustetic, Jennifer L","middleInitial":"L","primaryEmail":"jennifer.l.gustetic@nasa.gov","publicEmail":true,"nacontact":false}],"programManagers":[{"contactId":62051,"canUserEdit":false,"firstName":"Carlos","lastName":"Torrez","fullName":"Carlos Torrez","fullNameInverted":"Torrez, Carlos","primaryEmail":"carlos.torrez@nasa.gov","publicEmail":true,"nacontact":false}],"projectManagers":[{"contactId":216257,"canUserEdit":false,"firstName":"Jennifer","lastName":"Xu","fullName":"Jennifer C Xu","fullNameInverted":"Xu, Jennifer C","middleInitial":"C","primaryEmail":"Jennifer.C.Xu@nasa.gov","publicEmail":true,"nacontact":false},{"contactId":461333,"canUserEdit":false,"firstName":"Theresa","lastName":"Stanley","fullName":"Theresa M Stanley","fullNameInverted":"Stanley, Theresa 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The technology also has potential insertions as an agnostic life detection instrument and small molecule sensor within the scientific payload for both Europa Lander and Enceladus Orbiter mission concepts and for possible follow on submersible missions. The technology would also be well suited for searching for extant life on Mars.
The proposed nanopore sensor architecture, with its miniaturized and robust design, has potential in a wide variety of terrestrial applications ranging from DNA sequencing, point-of-care diagnostics, human pathogen surveillance to agricultural. Additionally, the small molecule analysis capability can be applied to the EPA and USDA needs for measuring water quality.","description":"Solid-state nanopores have been identified as ideal candidates for robust and ultrafast single molecule detection and present a highly suitable candidate platform technology for this NASA SBIR Phase II solicitation under Focus Area 9: Sensors, Detectors and Instruments and subtopic S1.11 In Situ Instruments/Technologies and Sample Processing for Ocean Worlds Life Detection focused on concepts for “Ocean Worlds Life Detection Technology”. We propose to develop a flight ready SiN nanopore-based sensor for detecting life in ocean worlds. Detecting life in ocean worlds was previously attempted by NASA funded research with biological nanopore sensors, however these sensors are fragile and will not survive flight conditions. Before nanopore technology is ready for integration into an actual NASA mission and sensing of new forms of molecules, several key technical questions have yet to be addressed, and an optimized nanopore sensor has to be built and fully tested against those requirements. Here, we propose to develop such a nanopore sensing device based on solid-state materials. The main deliverable of the Phase II proposal is a solid-state nanopore sensor that best satisfies NASA mission requirements. Sensor’s specifications will be outlined and developed to satisfy the stringent NASA mission requirements, in consultation with NASA scientists. The sensor will be comprised of: a solid-state nanopore array chip with the optimized nanopore material, coatings and processing appropriate wiring and miniaturized Faraday cage data acquisition and analysis software featuring current magnitude and molecule translocation time analysis, voltage-pulse-based pore de-clogging and other features a user manual with a list of specifications for sample preparation prior to nanopore testing a list of specifications required for upstream microfluidics integration.","startYear":2019,"startMonth":8,"endYear":2023,"endMonth":5,"statusDescription":"Completed","website":"","program":{"acronym":"SBIR/STTR","active":true,"description":"
The NASA SBIR and STTR programs fund the research, development, and demonstration of innovative technologies that fulfill NASA needs as described in the annual Solicitations and have significant potential for successful commercialization. If you are a small business concern (SBC) with 500 or fewer employees or a non-profit RI such as a university or a research laboratory with ties to an SBC, then NASA encourages you to learn more about the SBIR and STTR programs as a potential source of seed funding for the development of your innovations.
The SBIR and STTR programs have 3 phases:
The SBIR and STTR Phase I contracts last for 6 months with a maximum funding of $125,000, and Phase II contracts last for 24 months with a maximum funding of $750,000 - $1.5 million.
Opportunity for Continued Technology Development Post-Phase II:
The NASA SBIR/STTR Program currently has in place two initiatives for supporting its small business partners past the basic Phase I and Phase II elements of the program that emphasize opportunities for commercialization. Specifically, the NASA SBIR/STTR Program has the Phase II Enhancement (Phase II-E) and Phase II eXpanded (Phase II-X) contract options.
Please review the links below to obtain more information on the SBIR/STTR programs.
Provides an overview of the SBIR and STTR programs as implemented by NASA
Provides access to the annual SBIR/STTR Solicitations containing detailed information on the program eligibility requirements, proposal instructions and research topics and subtopics
Schedule and links for the SBIR/STTR solicitations and selection announcements
Federal and non-Federal sources of assistance for small business
Search our complete archive of awarded project abstracts to learn about what NASA has funded
Still have questions? Visit the program FAQs
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The SBIR and STTR programs have 3 phases:
The SBIR and STTR Phase I contracts last for 6 months with a maximum funding of $125,000, and Phase II contracts last for 24 months with a maximum funding of $750,000 - $1.5 million.
Opportunity for Continued Technology Development Post-Phase II:
The NASA SBIR/STTR Program currently has in place two initiatives for supporting its small business partners past the basic Phase I and Phase II elements of the program that emphasize opportunities for commercialization. Specifically, the NASA SBIR/STTR Program has the Phase II Enhancement (Phase II-E) and Phase II eXpanded (Phase II-X) contract options.
Please review the links below to obtain more information on the SBIR/STTR programs.
Provides an overview of the SBIR and STTR programs as implemented by NASA
Provides access to the annual SBIR/STTR Solicitations containing detailed information on the program eligibility requirements, proposal instructions and research topics and subtopics
Schedule and links for the SBIR/STTR solicitations and selection announcements
Federal and non-Federal sources of assistance for small business
Search our complete archive of awarded project abstracts to learn about what NASA has funded
Still have questions? Visit the program FAQs
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