Programmable Incubator for Autonomous Support of Living Cells in Microgravity

The instrument described in this proposal, the programmable incubator (PIN), is a low-cost, highly reusable and reprogrammable cellular life support module for the study of single celled organisms such as bacteria, algae, and yeast, and for the study of plant and animal cell cultures in a microgravity environment. This device maintains cells under controlled environmental conditions autonomously for periods of up to 90 days, and allows pre- programmed and event-driven actions to be executed such as the addition of fixatives, replenishment of nutrients, or the initiation of new cultures. The PIN provides measurement of temperature and loads, pH, optical density, video microscopy, and spectral analysis of cultures. Fluid transfers between cell cultures and other support cultures is by means of disposable needles. One unique aspect of the PIN is the ability to totally simulate its activities on a standard PC or Macintosh without access to the actual hardware, allowing end-users to program the PIN and test experimental regimes. The closure and multiple levels of containment reduce safety concerns during spaceflight and open terrestrial uses requiring containment where hazardous agents are to be studied. Cleanup and refurbishment are easily achieved with no risk to the PIN operator.