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The Development of a 3D Printer-Inspired, Microgravity-Compatible Sample Preparation Device for Future Use Inside the
Kamfai Chan1, Arunkumar Arumugam1, Cole Markham1
1AI Biosciences, Inc., College Station, TX 77845, USA.
Micromachines
|May 27, 2023
Summary
A new automated sample preparation platform (VSPP) was developed for microgravity, enabling rapid identification of microorganisms and potential health risks for astronauts. This 3D-printed device efficiently extracts nucleic acids from various biological samples.
Area of Science:
- Space biology and astrobiology
- Biotechnology and bioengineering
- Microfluidics and lab-on-a-chip technologies
Background:
- Monitoring microbial burden is crucial for astronaut health on the International Space Station (ISS).
- Current methods for biological sample analysis in space are often labor-intensive and time-consuming.
- Developing automated, microgravity-compatible systems is essential for effective crew health monitoring.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and demonstrate a compact, automated, microgravity-compatible Versatile Sample Preparation Platform (VSPP).
- To enable rapid identification of microorganisms and potential health risks for crew safety.
- To validate the VSPP's capability for high-quality nucleic acid extraction from diverse sample types.
Main Methods:
- Modification of affordable 3D printers to create the VSPP prototype.
- 3D printing of microgravity-compatible reagent wells and cartridges.
- Utilizing nucleic acid-binding magnetic particles for extraction from urine and whole blood samples.
- Performing 2.1-second drop tower microgravity tests for component compatibility.
Main Results:
- The VSPP successfully extracted high-quality nucleic acids (Zika viral RNA, human RNase P gene) in ground-level tests.
- Clinically relevant levels of viral RNA (as low as 50 PFU/extraction) were detected in processed urine samples.
- Highly consistent DNA extraction yields were achieved from whole blood samples (standard deviation of 0.4 threshold cycle).
- VSPP components demonstrated compatibility for microgravity use during drop tower tests.
Conclusions:
- The VSPP is a promising, cost-effective solution for automated biological sample preparation in microgravity.
- The platform can rapidly identify microbial threats and support crew health monitoring on space missions.
- Further microgravity validation through parabolic flights and on the ISS is planned to fully realize the VSPP's potential.
Keywords:
DNA extractionautomated sample preparationmicrogravity compatibilitymolecular detectionnucleic acid purification
