The intended use of this IMSS device is to sample up to 1m2 surface areas within the ISS. Device will be configured to allow liquid samples to be taken in the ISS for plating and also retain remaining buffer for transport back to Earth for subsequent analysis. The IMSS may not replace the existing SSK, but may augment the SSK providing buffer when transported back to Earth which can be used for gene sequencing and indentification of potentially hazardous bacteria, viruses, molds, etc. on surfaces within the ISS. This has been a general weakness of the existing SSK.
The IMSS device could also be used to Commercial sample clean rooms where stringent sampling requirements call for a very low background of DNA. The IMSS could also be used by DoD personnel to conduct Sensitive Site Exploitation (SSE) sampling missions. QS is currently working another SBIR to develop a SSE sampling kit for the Gold Standard US CBRNE Sampling Teams. These Teams mission includes sites involving high value national security targets. The IMSS may become a component of this kit.
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