Miniaturized Sensor Array Platform for Monitoring Calcium, Conductivity, and pH in Urine Brine

In response to NASA SBIR Topic H3.01, Polestar Technologies Inc. proposes to develop a miniaturized sensor array platform for simultaneous monitoring of calcium, conductivity and pH in urine brine suitable for the international space station (ISS). The sensor platform will incorporate three different types of sensors: i) molecular recognition sensor elements incorporated onto nano-architecture for calcium detection, ii) Doped electronic material for pH measurement, and iii) a suitably designed microelectrode structure for conductivity determination. Phase I project will involve design and fabrication of the first generation sensor platform consisting of an electrochemical part (for calcium studies) and electronic part (for both pH and conductivity measurements). The capability of this platform to measure calcium in the range of 50-400mg/L, pH in the range of 0.5-5.0 and conductivity in the range of 10-250mS/cm will be demonstrated. In Phase II all the three types of sensor modalities will be integrated into a common platform. In addition, a handheld electronic readout unit will also be designed and fabricated in Phase II. This will serve as a basis for the development of a rugged detection system for applications on ISS.