Long Term Cell Culture Monitoring System

Critical for human space exploration, microbiology research can study effects of microgravity and space ionizing radiation on biological organisms. Existing microfluidic cartridges for cell and organism growth and metabolism research in space require sample loading and full system assembly on Earth, using highly specialized equipment and specially trained personnel, which limits the pace of research advancement. Our proposed Microfluidic Biospecimen Cartridge (MBC) system is a highly compact, standardized platform that allows loading, sealing of biological samples, automatic perfusion and monitoring of specimen growth without the need for specialized personnel or equipment. Once closed, the unit is entirely self-contained, minimizing contamination risk, and enabling safe handling of a wide variety of biological specimens in a microgravity environment. The cartridge contains 16 sample wells for parallel experiments with maximum flexibility and all reagents and waste are contained within the cartridge. This Phase II aims to demonstrate a working MBC unit (cartridge and instrument) that can be used for routine ground experiments and in space simulators. Specifically, Wainamics proposes to further optimize the MBC unit developed in Phase I by adding a one-way liquid reservoir injection port, an optical observation window, and another media reservoir. Following this optimization, we will start up pilot manufacturing to produce 1000 cartridges. In parallel, the custom prototype instrument for routine field and laboratory use will be completed and tested in a zero-gravity environment, and cross-kingdom unit compatibility for culturing will be demonstrated, including mammalian cells, bacteria, and algae. The MBC system, designed for high volume manufacturing, would be the first commercial, self-contained cell culture growth and perfusion system.nbsp; Together with a dedicated MBC instrument, this compact, standardized platform can be used routinely for field research or in space.