Small Business Innovation Research/Small Business Tech Transfer
On-Orbit DNA, RNA, and Protein Extraction
Project Description
Genova Engineering proposes to develop and demonstrate a toolset of discrete devices and extraction kits which will leverage existing on-orbit facilities and will permit an expansion of molecular biology capabilities onboard ISS. This toolset, Nucleic Acid And Protein Isolation (NAAPI), is a near-term deployable technology which gives the ISS researcher the ability to isolate DNA, RNA and proteins from precious biological samples. By isolating these target molecules, sample volumes can be reduced by orders of magnitude resulting in reduced downmass. This technology also proposes to adapt a state of the art stabilization technique to enable long-term ambient storage of nucleic acids. This system offers the unique ability to isolate total protein for storage and/or analysis.
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Anticipated Benefits
This technology will introduce the ability to carry out sample preparation for molecular biology tests from a variety of sample matrices (cell culture, plant tissue, blood, swab, etc). These NASA applications includes processing astronaut blood, urine, and other body fluids to isolate and identify infectious agents or for gene expression studies. Additional application can be found in monitoring water supplies or life support systems for microbial contamination. The technology is extensible and comprised of discrete components which can be adapted for multiple tasks related to fluid manipulation and sample processing.
Multiple levels of containment needed for ISS use can be incorporated into potential commercial applications that require DNA, RNA and protein isolation from highly infectious human samples. Segregation of samples from multiple applications of wash buffer during processing cycles, will reduce the number of disposables used and lab efficiency can be improved. More »
Multiple levels of containment needed for ISS use can be incorporated into potential commercial applications that require DNA, RNA and protein isolation from highly infectious human samples. Segregation of samples from multiple applications of wash buffer during processing cycles, will reduce the number of disposables used and lab efficiency can be improved. More »
Primary U.S. Work Locations and Key Partners
| Organizations Performing Work | Role | Type | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Genova Engineering, LLC. | Lead Organization | Industry | Wheat Ridge, Colorado |
Johnson Space Center
(JSC)
|
Supporting Organization | NASA Center | Houston, Texas |
Primary U.S. Work Locations
-
Colorado
-
Texas
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This is a historic project that was completed before the creation of TechPort on October 1, 2012. Available data has been included. This record may contain less data than currently active projects.