Utilization of Microfabricated Gel Electrophoresis for Spaceflight Applications
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As genomic and proteomic research continues, identification or sequencing of genes, and genetic testing will become a more routine component of biological and medical research, to include space life sciences and space medicine related experimentation. In addition, identification of infectious agents as well as radiation related damage are significant to NASA's effort to maintain, study, and monitor crew health. In order to conduct these analyses, it is essential to acquire the capability to efficiently perform gel electrophoresis in a microgravity environment. A micro fabricated separation platform offers a better alternative to conventional benchtop platform, which are large and awkward in a microgravity environment. A microscale platform is smaller, faster, uses less resources, produces less waste, and is less expensive to produce. A proof-of-concept study to determine the suitability of an existing microfabricated electrophoresis platform for spaceflight applications has been conducted. The existing platform was integrated and tested with NASA's Microanalytical System. Results of this study, to include ground and zero-gravity tests onboard NASA's zero-gravity aircraft will be presented.
