µ2 Lab: Microfluidic Microbiology Lab
Project Introduction
Microbial monitoring during spaceflight is crucial to maintain crew health and ensure water purifications systems are functioning properly. Current protocols for in-flight enumeration of bacteria in potable water systems require culture based-methods. In this project, we aim to develop a flight- and microgravity-compatible flow cytometer capable of counting total microbial counts in the water supply and differentiating live from dead bacteria.
Microbial monitoring during spaceflight is crucial to maintain crew health and ensure water purifications systems are functioning properly. Current protocols for in-flight enumeration of bacteria in potable water systems require culture based-methods. In this project, we aim to develop a flight- and microgravity-compatible flow cytometer capable of counting total microbial counts in the water supply and differentiating live from dead bacteria.
More »Anticipated Benefits
If successful, the microflow cytometer could replace the current cell-culturing based methods for in-flight enumeration of viable bacteria in the potable water supply aboard ISS and spaceflight beyond LEO. In addition, the device offers dual-use potential for monitoring changes in immune system response by white blood cell counts. These measurements could both be made with a single, small, low-power device.
Spaceflight beyond LEO will require small, low power technology to perform critical tasks. The proposed device offers dual-use potential for microbial monitoring and human health studies.
As the commercial space industry gears up for manned flights to the ISS and beyond, there will be a need for environmental monitoring that the proposed technology addresses.
The capabilities of the proposed device, counting viable bacteria in potable water and analyzing white blood cells, are important for public health uses (water quality) and medical diagnostics in the field and remote areas. These uses would be of benefit to the CDC, NIH, and DoD.
More »Primary U.S. Work Locations and Key Partners
| Organizations Performing Work | Role | Type | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
Johnson Space Center
(JSC)
|
Lead Organization | NASA Center | Houston, TX |
| Co-Funding Partners | Type | Location |
|---|---|---|
| ORFLO Technologies / E.I. Specdtra, LLC | Industry | Carlsbad, CA |
Primary U.S. Work Locations
-
California
-
Texas
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Organizational Responsibility
Responsible Mission Directorate:
- Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD)
Lead Center / Facility:
- Johnson Space Center (JSC)
Responsible Program:
- Center Innovation Fund: JSC CIF
Project Management
Program Director:
Program Manager:
Project Manager:
Principal Investigator:
Co-Investigators:
Project Duration
Technology Maturity (TRL)
| Start: | 4 |
| Current: | 4 |
| Estimated End: | 6 |
Technology Areas
Primary:
- TA6 Human Health, Life Support, and Habitation Systems
- TA6.1 Environmental Control and Life Support Systems and Habitation Systems
- TA6.1.2 Water Recovery and Management
