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Objective
Objective
The objective is to test in a harsh space environment an automatic laboratory able to provide a highly integrated in-situ multiparameter platform that uses immunoassay tests exploiting chemiluminescence detection.
ABCS will host a micro laboratory based on lab-on-chip (LoC) technology able to provide a platform for the automatic execution of bioanalytical experiments in space. The experiment uses an origami-like assembly coupled with hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si:H) photosensors for the detection of the reactions.
The origami-like assembly is folded into three levels: inlets (Level 1), fluidic channels (Level 2) and reaction sites (Level 3). Peristaltic pumps inject liquids inside the inlets, where pads are placed. Liquids subsequently flow from pads to fluidics channels. All level, but fluidic channels, are made hydrophobic to ensure liquid flow exclusively along fluidic channels. Reaction sites, placed immediately below fluidic channels, come into contact with liquids and reactions occur. Reaction sites geometry depends on reagents features.
When the reagents-delivery-system provides a volume of liquid reagent to the starting pad, capillary forces will guide the reagents through the origami pathway. During the flow, liquid reagents will solubilize and transport along the path the deposited reagents, triggering specific reactions.
The experiments will aim at evaluating:
the functional tests of the device (delivery of reagents, mixing of chemicals, detection of emitted photons, electronics, data storage and transmission);
the stability of chemicals and biomolecules employed in the experiment and necessary for performing bioassays (e.g., immunoassays exploiting chemiluminescence detection) in space conditions for astrobiological investigations.
In-orbit validation of the proposed technology would represent a significant breakthrough for autonomous execution of bio-analytical experiments in space with potential application in planetary exploration for biomarkers detection, astronauts’ healthcare, space stations’ environmental monitoring and more.
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