Microfabricated Onsite Analyzer for Biomarkers (MOAB) for Automated Crew Health Monitoring

Area of Science:

• Space Medicine
• Biomedical Engineering
• Analytical Chemistry

Background:

• Space exploration missions require advanced health monitoring for astronauts.
• Risks include musculoskeletal degradation, cancer, and kidney issues due to radiation and microgravity.
• Current monitoring methods are insufficient for long-duration extraterrestrial missions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present the Microfabricated Onsite Analyzer for Biomarkers (MOAB) device for extraterrestrial health monitoring.
• To characterize the fluid manipulation and biomarker detection capabilities of the MOAB.
• To demonstrate the feasibility of multiplexed biomarker assays in various gravity conditions.

Main Methods:

• Characterization of a programmable microfluidic array (PMA) chip for fluid manipulation.
• Optimization of reaction kinetics, incubation times, and crosstalk for calcium, creatinine, and hydrogen peroxide assays.
• Development of automated standard curve generation and multiplexed (duplex and triplex) assays.
• Testing of the MOAB platform under various gravitational conditions, including a ZeroG flight.

Main Results:

• The PMA chip demonstrated high pumping resolution and repeatability.
• The MOAB successfully detected calcium, creatinine, and hydrogen peroxide with high linearity.
• Automated standard curve generation showed agreement with manual methods.
• Multiplexed assays were performed successfully in parallel and under varying gravity conditions.

Conclusions:

• The MOAB platform is a pioneering proof of principle for comprehensive astronaut health monitoring.
• The device demonstrates robust fluidic manipulation and multiplexed metabolite detection capabilities.
• Further optimization and assay development are needed for full mission implementation.