Observation Platform for Dynamic Biomedical and Biotechnology Experiments using the ISS Light Microscopy Module, Phase II

Targeted application(s) of the proposed innovation and associated products and services relative to NASA needs (infusion into NASA mission needs and projects) consist of on-orbit analysis of cultured cells from biotechnology experiments aboard ISS, cultivation and analysis of microbial samples aboard ISS, examination of crew members' blood samples, real-time observation of cell growth and differentiation, physical self-assembly and crystallization experiments. Heavy use is anticipated by researchers supported by the National Institutes of Health ISS utilization project, which is expected to fund some 10 investigations beginning in 2009, 2010 and 2011. Techshot is one of a few companies functioning as a regular Implementation Partner in the latter program, and opportunities exist to serve customers using the LMM Dynamic Stage. There are two potential business models for doing this: Utilize hardware via NASA that has already been delivered to NASA by Techshot, or to custom-build spa Techshot regularly serves the commercial sector in its ground-based projects in which prototype products are developed for potential manufacturers. Techshot will continue to explore the market potential and if significant could pursue the path discussed in the remainder of this section. A company that was organized in Indiana in 2005, IKOTECH, is selling medical and scientific devices to help diagnose and treat certain types of cancer and enable a cure for type I (juvenile) diabetes through innovative magnetic cell separation and analysis technologies developed by and licensed from Techshot, Ohio State University and the Cleveland Clinic. The Dynamic microscope could fit into the IKOTECH product pipeline. More importantly IKOTECH is expected to be well-positioned to license the technology from Techshot at the end of the development period. Techshot will make this product known to the various components of the commercial space flight community: Zero-g, Bigelow Aerospace, sub-orbit More »