UNIT 1.6
Technologies for Space
Biology: New Horizons
Presented by:
Mr. John Hines
62
INTRODUCTION
UNIT 1.6
Technologies for Space Biology: New Horizons
Mr. John Hines
Vocabulary:
•
•
•
•
•
•
Biomimetics
Biophotonics
In situ
Mesoscale
Nanotechnology
Outline:
1. Technology Challenges of Biology in Space
2. Scope of NASA Biological Sciences Research
3. Introduction to NASA programs
a. Astrobiology
b. Fundamental Space Biology Program
c. Biomolecular Systems Research Program
4. Technology Drivers for Space Biology Research
5. Advanced Technologies for Space Biotechnology
6. Technology Application Examples
a. Automated Ion-Monitoring System for Cell-Culture Flight Experiments
b. In situ Cell Flow Cytometer
c. Maskless Array Synthesizer / Automated Gene Sequencer (In situ Genomics
Technologies)
d. BioExplorer Program – BioNanoSatellite
e. In situ Gene Expression on Nanosatellites (ISGEN) Technology Accelerator
Project
f. Remote Automated Yeast Gene Expression Analyzer using Gene-Promoter
g. Pill-Shaped Biotelemetry Transmitters
h. Sensors 2000 – Flight Technology Demonstration
i. Smart Healthcare Management Systems – Physiological Monitoring of
Astronauts
j. Stanford Cell-Based Biosensor System
7. Reference Materials and Web Links
63
INTRODUCTION
Technology Challenges of Biology in Space
•
As NASA defines and expands its goals and objectives for long duration exploration
of space, interest in genetics, cell, and molecular biology have become key and critical
topics. Increasingly, the capability to perform autonomous, in-situ acquisition,
preparation and analysis of biological samples and specimens to determine the
presence and composition of biological components is required for both space biology
and medical researchers. Technology developments and advances are needed to
support applications across all of the relevant technology application areas, including
Bioastronautics, Fundamental Biology, and Astrobiology.
•
Biological and Biomolecular/Genomic research is enabling unprecedented insight into
the structure and function of cells, organisms, and sub-cellular components and
elements, and a window into the inner workings and machinations of living things.
Triggered by advances in microelectronics and related areas, we are now able to
fabricate and construct devices and components such as sensors, actuators, machines,
motors, valves, switches, pumps, and other items on the same scale as the biological
targets of interest, even in some cases on the order of tens of nanometers in size. This
directly scaled relationship allows for new strategies and interactions between physical
devices and living systems.
These techniques and technologies
have permitted the emergence of a
new class of instruments and devices,
generally described as mesoscale
technologies. Many devices,
techniques and products are now
available or emerging, which allow
measurement, analysis and
interpretation of the biological composition at the
molecular level, and which permit determination of
DNA/RNA and other analytes of interest.
Pump
Reactor
Motor
Finally, advances in information systems and
technologies, and bioinformatics, provide the
capability to understand, simulate, and interpret the large amounts of complex data being
made available from these biological-physical hybrid systems. These synergistic
relationships facilitate the development of revolutionary technologies in many areas, and
bode well for the future of space biology research objectives.
64
INTRODUCTION
Scope of NASA Biological Sciences Research
Astrobiology Emphasis
Galactic
Ecosystems
Human
Operations
Emphasis
Geology, Planetary
Ecosystems and
Evolution
Biological
Research
Emphasis
Human Space
Flight Tech. and
Habitability
Bio-Technology,
Nanotechnology,
Information Tech.
Atomic,
Molecular
Physics
and
Biology
Fundamental Physics
and Chemistry,
Cosmology
65
Biochemistry,
Fundamental and
Evolutionary
Biology
INTRODUCTION
Astrobiology
Astrobiology is the study of life in the universe. It
provides a biological perspective to many areas of
NASA research, linking such endeavors as the
search for habitable planets, exploration missions to
Mars and Europa, efforts to understand the origin of
life, and planning for the future of life beyond Earth.
Interdisciplinary research is needed that combines
molecular biology, ecology, planetary science,
astronomy, information science, space exploration
technologies, and related disciplines. The broad
interdisciplinary character of astrobiology compels
us to strive for the most comprehensive and
inclusive understanding of biological, planetary
and cosmic phenomena.
Astrobiology addresses three basic questions that have been asked in various ways for
generations.
• How does life begin and develop?
•
Does life exist elsewhere in the universe?
•
What is the future of life on Earth and beyond?
Life is a central theme that unifies NASA's vision and mission. A golden age has begun for
the life sciences, an age in which science and technology will benefit enormously from a
fundamental understanding of the full potential of living systems.
66
INTRODUCTION
Fundamental Space Biology Program
Fundamental Space Biology is NASA's program for the study of fundamental biological
processes through space flight and ground-based research. Bringing together state-of-the-art
science and technology, the program seeks to answer the most basic questions regarding the
evolution, development, and function of living systems.
Yeast,
Bacteria,
Cells
Model
Organism
Emphasis
C. Elegans,
Drosophila
Integrated Payloads
(Multi-Specimen)
Arabidopsis
67
Rodents,
(Humans)
INTRODUCTION
Integrated Biology Research Program
Technology Development Matrix
FBRP Program Elements
Molecular
Structures
and Physical
Interactions
Molecular
Biology
Specimen/Sample
Management
Cell
Biology
Organismal & Developmental Gravitational Evolutionary
Comparative
Biology
Ecology
Biology
Biology
Data Acquisition
And Monitoring
Experiment
Logistics
Information
Management
Experiment
Operations
Technology Categories
Biotelemetry
Biomimetics
Sample
Fixation and
Storage
Bioanalytical
Devices
Microfluidics
Robotics
Enabling
Technologies
Biosensors
Genomics
Materials and
Composites
MEMS/MOEMS/Optics
Nanotechnologies
Spectroscopy
Artificial Intelligence
68
Information
Technologies
Imaging,
Optics,
Biophotonics
INTRODUCTION
Biomolecular Systems Research Program
The NASA Biomolecular Systems Research Program is an integrated
research program focused on developing molecular level technologies to
monitor cellular signals and processes with applications to crew health and
safety, basic biology research, life detection, planetary protection, and
nanotechnology.
• Biomolecular Signatures
o Identification of signatures of life via thermodynamics and
kinetics of metabolism
o Detection of molecular level structures and anomalies
o Detection of chemical disequilibria and microscale chemical analyses
o Models for biological metabolism
o Genomic and protein signatures indicative of disease
• Signal Amplification
o Single, specific molecular detection among high background noise
o Sensitivity enhancers
o Utilization of biological amplification or self-amplification of target
molecules
o Signal enhancement from targeted molecules
• Biomolecular Sensing and Manipulation
o Biomolecular probes
o Nanotube-based actuators and force sensors
o Biologically-based and biomimetic sensors
o Molecular engineered biosensors
o Molecular manipulators
Nanoscale Sensing
o Single molecule sensing and recognition
• Biomolecular Imaging
o New technologies for imaging protein expression in cells
o Nanoscale imaging to resolve protein or DNA structure, correlate with
function
o Image cellular activities
o Development and refinement of optical/electromagnetic techniques
• Biomolecular Informatics / Information Processing
o Data: Pattern recognition, data mining, data fusion
o Modeling: genomics, kinetics of biological processes and cellular function
o Knowledge Discovery: real-time medical diagnostics and treatment
69
INTRODUCTION
Technology Drivers for Space Biology Research
•
•
•
•
•
GROW - Autonomous, Multigenerational Habitats
o In-flight systems and modules will permit growth and nurturing of cells,
tissues, and higher organisms
SENSE – In Situ Biosensors and Sample Management
o Development of biosensors, DNA chips and automated sample management
and handling systems will permit in-situ measurement and analysis of
biological processes
OBSERVE - Microscopy and Advanced Imaging Systems
o Incorporation of new advances in optical, nano- and information technologies
will allow in-situ imaging systems to visualize changes in cell
shape and configuration
ANALYZE - Information Systems and Technologies
o Revolutionary developments in bioinformatics, modeling, simulation, and
adaptive - autonomous bioanalytical systems will enable rapid conversion of
raw data to information/knowledge
FLY - Free Flyer BioNanosatellite Development
o Development and flight demonstration of advanced in-situ biological
technologies and platforms
Measurement Systems
Design and Development Elements
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Sample Collection, Preparation,
Handling, Reduction
Parameter Sensing and Transduction
Signal Pre-Conditioning
Signal Processing
Communications (all levels - inter
and intra)
Data Acquisition, Monitoring,
Control, Display
Power Conditioning and
Management
Data Reduction, Analysis,
Distribution, Archiving
70
Critical Space
Technology Drivers
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Reduce Crew Time Requirements
Power
Volume / Weight
Accuracy / Stability
Cost
Operate in Remote Environments
Operate In Microgravity
INTRODUCTION
Advanced Technologies for Space Biotechnology
Tools of the Trade (In Situ)
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Sample Management and Handling
o Microfluidics
o Mesoscale Systems
Nanotechnologies
Biosensors
Tissue-Based Biosensors
DNA Technologies
o Isolation
o DNA Detection
o Purification
o Amplification
o Decision making
o Analysis
Gene Chips and Arrays
cDNA Libraries
Bioinformatics / Biocomputation
Bioimaging / Biophotonics
Biomaterials
Micromachining
Biomimetics
Optics and Optical processing
Microscopy (some examples)
o Confocal
o Atomic Force
o Scanning Tunnel
o Fluorescence
o Multi-Photon
o Hyperspectral
Cell Culture Systems
Molecular Components and Function Blocks
Biotelemery and Wireless, Modular Instrumentation Architectures
71
INTRODUCTION
TECHNOLOGY APPLICATION EXAMPLES
BIONA-C
Automated Ion-Monitoring System for Cell-Culture Flight Experiments
Sensor Electrodes
Reference
p-HEMA
plug
Sensor
Array
Indicator
PVC
body
Ion-Selective
Membrane
Thermistor
Electrolyte
Reference electrode
Ag/AgCl
Wire
Indicator electrode
Epoxy
plug
Sensor array on
pre-amplifier PCB
(Sensor Card)
Ag wire
STS-93
July 23-27, 1999
Sensors and
controller on
CCM rail with
pumps, valves
Four
sensor cards on
controller CB
72
INTRODUCTION
TECHNOLOGY APPLICATION EXAMPLES (continued)
Flow Cell
In Situ Cell Flow Cytometer
Injector
Tip
Sheath
fluid
Fluorescence
Signals
Focused
Laser Beam
Purdue University
Cytometry Laboratories
73
INTRODUCTION
TECHNOLOGY APPLICATION EXAMPLES (continued)
Maskless Array Synthesizer / Automated Gene Sequencer
(In Situ Genomics Technologies)
Objective
To develop the capability to:
•
Produce DNA array chips (M
Maskless Array
Synthesizer). The MAS can print DNA microarrays on
any simple UV transparent surface glass or plastic
substrate, which could be produced on a spacecraft.
The MAS could also be integrated into multipurpose
platforms or a fully automatic system
•
Expand MAS capabilities and develop an Automated
Gene Sequencer (AGS) to provide the capability to
manufacture in-situ biological countermeasures, and
other biological/genetic products.
•
These systems are intended to allow state of the art
genomic analysis and intervention in space on any
biological sample: human, animal, bacterial or
unknown with a minimum of operator input, and with
remote operator capabilities.
74
INTRODUCTION
TECHNOLOGY APPLICATION EXAMPLES (continued)
BioExplorer Program
•
The intent of this new program is to develop, demonstrate and utilize small free-flying
orbital spacecraft, “BioExplorers,” to support Principal Investigator-led science
missions that have been selected through peer review.
BioNano Satellite
Satellite with Cage Assembly and Biology Module Exploded
•
Experiment System
o Cage Assembly
o Biology Module
•
Satellite Bus
o Structure
o Control and Data Handling
o External Camera System
o Power System
o Communication System
o Stabilization System
o Data logger System
o Software
75
INTRODUCTION
TECHNOLOGY APPLICATION EXAMPLES (continued)
In Situ Space Gene Expression on Nanosatellites (ISGEN) Technology
Accelerator Project
T
0
2 yr
4 yr
ISGEN Stages
1. Single protein: fluorescent/ luminescent assay in
multiwell plate
a. Multiple proteins: different target in each
well (12 - 48)
b. Multiple proteins: multiple color (2 - 4)
indicators per well
2. Tissue-type-specific proteins: 5 - 10 µm lateral
resolution imaging fluorescence/luminescence
a. Multiplex: multiple wells, colors; multiple
constructs by tissue type
3. Multiplexed proteins: “Liquid arrays” requiring
minimal sample prep from Luminex, Qdot,
Nanoplex, ACLARA (3 - 50 targets per assay)
4. Multiplexed genes: amplification plus fluorescent
tagging
a. Cepheid system adapting PCR to zero
gravity (2 - 5 targets per optical unit)
b. Multiplexed genes (5 - 30 targets):
ACLARA eTag system or Luminex beads
incorporating amplification step
5. Gene microarray: fully automated sample prep,
hybridization, readout (100s - 1000s of targets)
76
INTRODUCTION
TECHNOLOGY APPLICATION EXAMPLES (continued)
Remote Automated Yeast Gene Expression Analyzer using Gene-Promoter
/ Luciferase-Reporter Constructs
77
INTRODUCTION
TECHNOLOGY APPLICATION EXAMPLES (continued)
Pill-Shaped Biotelemetry Transmitters
Printed Circuit Boards with
SMT components and bare dies
Silver-Oxide
Batteries
9 mm
(0.35”)
35 mm (1.38”)
Pressure Sensor
Shell coated with silicone
Pressure/Temperature Pill-Transmitter
Pressure/Temperature Pill
Ion-selective Micro-Electrode
pH/Temperature Pill
pH/Temperature/Pressure Pill
Heart rate/Temperature Pill
ECG/Temperature Pill
ASIC
pH/Pressure/Temperature/
Heart Rate Pill
Biosensor Drug Release Holes
..
Responsive Drug Delivery Pill
Drug Reservoir
78
INTRODUCTION
TECHNOLOGY APPLICATION EXAMPLES (continued)
Sensors 2000 Flight Technology Demonstration
WASP
Cell-Culture Module Rail
pH-Tx
Ca2+-Tx
K+-Tx
pH-Tx
Wearable
Computer
WA
AEM
AEM
AEM
WASP
WASP
Real-Time
Data-Base
and Data
Server
WASP
79
Display
and
Analysis
Devices
INTRODUCTION
TECHNOLOGY APPLICATION EXAMPLES (continued)
Smart Healthcare Management Systems: Developing systems to monitor the
health and performance of NASA personnel and the functional status of the
systems that support them.
Physiological Monitoring of Astronauts
Biotelemeter implanted in animals,
or ingested by/attached to
astronauts senses Body
Temperature, Blood Pressure,
Blood pH, and Heart Rate.
TriSponder
quickly displays
Health Status.
Transponder relays
biotelemeter signal
to other monitoring
devices.
Physiological Signal
Conditioner (PSC) acquires
ECG, EEG, EMG, and EOG
(and other bio-parameters of
interest).
80
Laptop monitors
and analyzes
Physiological
Parameters.
INTRODUCTION
TECHNOLOGY APPLICATION EXAMPLES (continued)
Stanford Cell-based Biosensor System
Cardiac cells growing on a sensor chip
50 µm
Portable, hand-held cell sensor system
with microenvironment chip.
81
INTRODUCTION
Reference Materials and Web Links
Astrobiology
http://www.nai.arc.nasa.gov/
http://astrobiology.arc.nasa.gov/
http://astrobiology.arc.nasa.gov/roadmap/index.html
Fundamental Space Biology and Ames
http://fundamentalbiology.arc.nasa.gov/
Biomolecular Systems Research Program
http://nasa-nci.arc.nasa.gov/
“Liquid Array” examples:
QuantumDot Qbead™ system
http://www.qdots.com/new/technology/beadtech.html
ACLARA eTag™ system
http://www.aclara.com/etag_reporters.asp
Luminex LabMap™ system
http://www.luminexcorp.com/
GeneXpert Products
http://www.cepheid.com/
82
INTRODUCTION
Notes:
83
UNIT ONE: INTRODUCTION
Evaluation
Please complete the following evaluation questions for this unit and return this form to the
course coordinator at the beginning of the next day. All responses are anonymous and will
be kept confidential. We appreciate your taking the time to help us improve future
educational programs.
Please complete the following statements using the provided scale:
1) The unit as a whole was:
2) Overall, the knowledge I gained in this unit was:
3) The overall pace of this unit was:
4) The opportunity to ask questions during this unit was:
5) The presentation materials for this unit were:
Additional Comments:
84
Excellent
Very
Good
Fair
Poor
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○