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Project Title:  Printed Electrochemical Sensor Strip for Quantifying Bone Density Loss in Microgravity Reduce
Images: icon  Fiscal Year: FY 2024 
Division: Human Research 
Research Discipline/Element:
HRP HHC:Human Health Countermeasures
Start Date: 10/01/2020  
End Date: 10/30/2022  
Task Last Updated: 02/02/2023 
Download report in PDF pdf
Principal Investigator/Affiliation:   Koehne, Jessica  Ph.D. / NASA Ames Research Center 
Address:  Center for Nanotechnology 
Mail Stop 229-3 
Moffett Field , CA 94035 
Email: Jessica.e.koehne@nasa.gov 
Phone: 650-604-6818  
Congressional District: 18 
Web:  
Organization Type: NASA CENTER 
Organization Name: NASA Ames Research Center 
Joint Agency:  
Comments:  
Co-Investigator(s)
Affiliation: 
Graf, John  Ph.D. NASA Johnson Space Center 
Cordeiro, Milton  Ph.D. USRA 
Key Personnel Changes / Previous PI: July 2021 report: Milton Cordeiro is now Co-Investigator on the project.
Project Information: Grant/Contract No. Internal Project 
Responsible Center: NASA JSC 
Grant Monitor: Stenger, Michael  
Center Contact: 281-483-1311 
michael.b.stenger@nasa.gov 
Unique ID: 14177 
Solicitation / Funding Source: 2019 HERO 80JSC019N0001-FLAGSHIP & OMNIBUS: Human Research Program Crew Health. Appendix A&B 
Grant/Contract No.: Internal Project 
Project Type: GROUND 
Flight Program:  
TechPort: No 
No. of Post Docs:
No. of PhD Candidates:
No. of Master's Candidates:
No. of Bachelor's Candidates:
No. of PhD Degrees:
No. of Master's Degrees:
No. of Bachelor's Degrees:
Human Research Program Elements: (1) HHC:Human Health Countermeasures
Human Research Program Risks: (1) Bone Fracture:Risk of Bone Fracture due to Spaceflight-induced Changes to Bone
(2) Osteo:Risk Of Early Onset Osteoporosis Due To Spaceflight
Human Research Program Gaps: (1) Osteo 5:We need an inflight capability to monitor bone turnover and bone mass changes during spaceflight.
Flight Assignment/Project Notes: NOTE: End date changed to 10/30/2022 per PI (Ed., 8/25/22)

Task Description: The Human Research Program has outlined risks associated with human spaceflight within the Human Research Roadmap. One such risk is listed as the risk of bone fracture due to spaceflight-induced changes to bone. Our objective to create a printed amino-terminal collagen crosslinks (NTX) quantification sensor strip coupled with a facile urine collection and volume measurement device. The proposed project will be a ground-based study with the potential to be further developed for spaceflight. To accomplish the proposed objective, we will complete the following Aims.

Aim 1: Develop conductive, telopeptide selective, and dielectric inks for printed sensor.

Aim 2: Print and electrochemically characterize 3-electrode device for NTX detection.

Aim 3: Integrate sensor with urine collection device and handheld potentiostat hardware.

If successful, the proposed project will reduce risk of crew bone fracture by continuously evaluating bone health by monitoring mineral metabolism as excreted NTX for bone reabsorption. Future studies could expand the scope of health monitoring to include interferon gamma, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, 25 OH-vitamin B, and bone specific alkaline phosphatase, and/or other molecules of interest. Additionally, these sensors will be manufactured entirely by printing technology. It is anticipated that they can eventually be manufactured in an in-space environment, which directly compliments Space Technology Mission Directorate’s In-Space Manufacturing project. By relying on simple printing technology, analytical sensors can be fabricated in space, which would enable adaptive crew health monitoring on long-duration space mission and future habitation.

Research Impact/Earth Benefits: This research has benefits for both humans involved in space travel and for humans on Earth. A sensor that monitors bone health has great benefit for our aging adult population. Osteoporosis is the most common bone disease and affects an estimated 10.2 million Americans leading to increased risk of bone fracture. Point-of-care sensors can be useful to monitor bone density loss and onset of osteoporosis, improving the patient experience by lowering the time required for an auxiliary diagnostic while also reducing healthcare costs, since a specialized operator is not required to perform the measurement.

Task Progress & Bibliography Information FY2024 
Task Progress: This project addresses the topic: “Lab Analysis Point-of-Care Device Evaluation and Downselect” of the Human Research Roadmap (HRR) gap Osteo 5 that states, “we need an in-flight capability to monitor bone turnover and bone mass changes during spaceflight.” One bone remodeling biomarker that can be directly correlated with bone resorption from a non-invasive urine specimen is NTx, a degradation by-product of type I collagen. NTx levels in urine were recently used to evaluate bone health during the NASA Twin Study and is a biomarker of interest, referred to in HRR’s Osteo 5 gap. To address this HRR gap, we have developed a methodology using a printed electrochemical sensor capable of detecting NTx in urine. Our goal is to create a highly adaptable and versatile approach that utilizes fabrication processes consistent with in-space manufacturing, thus enabling the manufacture of point-of-care devices during flight. Going forward, we plan to expand the sensor’s capability to measure a variety of bone remodeling biomarkers simultaneously. However, NTx serves as our initial target for this project and as a proof-of-concept for our approach.

The project objective is to create a space-suitable, printed sensor strip for quantifiable NTx detection coupled to a urine collection device. To accomplish this objective, we have focused on the following Aims. Aim 1: Develop conductive, telopeptide selective and dielectric inks for printed sensor. Aim 2: Print and electrochemically characterize 3-electrode device for NTx detection. Aim 3: Integrate sensor with urine collection device and handheld potentiostat hardware.

During this project, we have created a hands-free and robust manufacturing process using microdispense, inkjet, and 3D printing to generate an electrochemical sensor for measuring NTx from a urine specimen. The sensor utilizes a carbon nanotube ink, which improves the electrochemical response and gold nanoparticles to provide selective surfaces for NTx detection. Using those optimized and pre-screened electronic inks, 3-electrode electrochemical sensors have been printed using inkjet and precision microdispense instrumentation. Both devices were characterized for their electrochemical performance and robustness. Fluid delivery based on lateral flow materials was designed to carry the urine specimen to the sensor surface. Finally, sensors were packaged into reusable cassette holders and interfaced with a handheld reader for simple and reliable operation.

Bibliography: Description: (Last Updated: 04/14/2023) 

Show Cumulative Bibliography
 
Abstracts for Journals and Proceedings Koehne, J. E., Cordeiro, M. "Printed electrochemical sensor for quantifying bone density loss in microgravity." 2021 NASA Human Research Program Invesitgators' Workshop, virtual, February 1-4, 2021.

Abstracts. 2021 NASA Human Research Program Investigators' Workshop, virtual, February 1-4, 2021. , Feb-2021

Abstracts for Journals and Proceedings Koehne JE. "Printed flexible sensors for NASA applications." 4DMS + SoRo Summer School, virtual, June 21-22, 2021.

Abstracts. 4DMS + SoRo Summer School, virtual, June 21-22, 2021. , Jun-2021

Abstracts for Journals and Proceedings Koehne JE. "In-space manufacturing of point-of-care diagnostic devices." American Chemical Society CME NASA STEM Symposium, Atlanta, Georgia, August 23-24, 2021.

Abstracts. American Chemical Society CME NASA STEM Symposium, Atlanta, Georgia, August 23-24, 2021. , Aug-2021

Abstracts for Journals and Proceedings Koehne JE. "Printed sensors and electronics for sustained human spaceflight." First International Conference on Smart Green Connected Societies, virtual, November 29-30, 2021.

Abstracts. First International Conference on Smart Green Connected Societies, virtual, November 29-30, 2021. , Nov-2021

Abstracts for Journals and Proceedings Koehne JE. "In-space manufacturing to support human spaceflight. " Materials Research Society, Boston, Massachusetts, November 28-December 2, 2021.

Abstracts. Materials Research Society, Boston, Massachusetts, November 28-December 2, 2021. , Nov-2021

Abstracts for Journals and Proceedings Koehne JE. "Carbon nanomaterial based electrochemical sensors and devices for NASA missions." IEEE NMDC, Vancouver, Canada, December 12-15, 2021.

Abstracts. IEEE NMDC, Vancouver, Canada, December 12-15, 2021. , Dec-2021

Abstracts for Journals and Proceedings Cordeiro M, Espinoza C, Koehne JE. "Printed electrochemical sensor for quantifying bone density loss in microgravity." 2022 NASA Human Research Program Investigators' Workshop, virtual, February 8, 2022.

Abstracts. 2022 NASA Human Research Program Investigators' Workshop, virtual, February 8, 2022. , Feb-2022

Abstracts for Journals and Proceedings Cordeiro M. "Printed wearable electrochemical sensor for monitoring human performance markers during human spaceflight." Electrochemical Society Meeting, Vancouver, Canada, May 31, 2022.

Abstracts. Electrochemical Society Meeting, Vancouver, Canada, May 31, 2022. , May-2022

Abstracts for Journals and Proceedings Koehne JE. "Bioanalytical sensors for support human exploration missions." Gordon Research Conference on Bioanalytical Sensors, Newport, Rhode Island, June 26, 2022.

Abstracts. Gordon Research Conference on Bioanalytical Sensors, Newport, Rhode Island, June 26, 2022. , Jun-2022

Articles in Other Journals or Periodicals Cordeiro M, Koehne JE. "Fully inkjet printed carbon nanotube electrochemical sensor for NASA missions." ECS Sensors Plus, submitted. , Jan-2023
Project Title:  Printed Electrochemical Sensor Strip for Quantifying Bone Density Loss in Microgravity Reduce
Images: icon  Fiscal Year: FY 2023 
Division: Human Research 
Research Discipline/Element:
HRP HHC:Human Health Countermeasures
Start Date: 10/01/2020  
End Date: 10/30/2022  
Task Last Updated: 08/02/2022 
Download report in PDF pdf
Principal Investigator/Affiliation:   Koehne, Jessica  Ph.D. / NASA Ames Research Center 
Address:  Center for Nanotechnology 
Mail Stop 229-3 
Moffett Field , CA 94035 
Email: Jessica.e.koehne@nasa.gov 
Phone: 650-604-6818  
Congressional District: 18 
Web:  
Organization Type: NASA CENTER 
Organization Name: NASA Ames Research Center 
Joint Agency:  
Comments:  
Co-Investigator(s)
Affiliation: 
Graf, John  Ph.D. NASA Johnson Space Center 
Cordeiro, Milton  Ph.D. USRA 
Key Personnel Changes / Previous PI: July 2021 report: Milton Cordeiro is now Co-Investigator on the project.
Project Information: Grant/Contract No. Internal Project 
Responsible Center: NASA JSC 
Grant Monitor: Stenger, Michael  
Center Contact: 281-483-1311 
michael.b.stenger@nasa.gov 
Unique ID: 14177 
Solicitation / Funding Source: 2019 HERO 80JSC019N0001-FLAGSHIP & OMNIBUS: Human Research Program Crew Health. Appendix A&B 
Grant/Contract No.: Internal Project 
Project Type: GROUND 
Flight Program:  
TechPort: No 
No. of Post Docs:
No. of PhD Candidates:
No. of Master's Candidates:
No. of Bachelor's Candidates:
No. of PhD Degrees:
No. of Master's Degrees:
No. of Bachelor's Degrees:
Human Research Program Elements: (1) HHC:Human Health Countermeasures
Human Research Program Risks: (1) Bone Fracture:Risk of Bone Fracture due to Spaceflight-induced Changes to Bone
(2) Osteo:Risk Of Early Onset Osteoporosis Due To Spaceflight
Human Research Program Gaps: (1) Osteo 5:We need an inflight capability to monitor bone turnover and bone mass changes during spaceflight.
Flight Assignment/Project Notes: NOTE: End date changed to 10/30/2022 per PI (Ed., 8/25/22)

Task Description: The Human Research Program has outlined risks associated with human spaceflight within the Human Research Roadmap. One such risk is listed as the risk of bone fracture due to spaceflight-induced changes to bone. Our objective to create a printed amino-terminal collagen crosslinks (NTX) quantification sensor strip coupled with a facile urine collection and volume measurement device. The proposed project will be a ground-based study with the potential to be further developed for spaceflight. To accomplish the proposed objective, we will complete the following Aims.

Aim 1: Develop conductive, telopeptide selective, and dielectric inks for printed sensor.

Aim 2: Print and electrochemically characterize 3-electrode device for NTX detection.

Aim 3: Integrate sensor with urine collection device and handheld potentiostat hardware.

If successful, the proposed project will reduce risk of crew bone fracture by continuously evaluating bone health by monitoring mineral metabolism as excreted NTX for bone reabsorption. Future studies could expand the scope of health monitoring to include interferon gamma, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, 25 OH-vitamin B, and bone specific alkaline phosphatase, and/or other molecules of interest. Additionally, these sensors will be manufactured entirely by printing technology. It is anticipated that they can eventually be manufactured in an in-space environment, which directly compliments Space Technology Mission Directorate’s In-Space Manufacturing project. By relying on simple printing technology, analytical sensors can be fabricated in space, which would enable adaptive crew health monitoring on long-duration space mission and future habitation.

Research Impact/Earth Benefits: This research has benefits for both humans involved in space travel and for humans on Earth. A sensor that monitors bone health has great benefit for our aging adult population. Osteoporosis is the most common bone disease and affects an estimated 10.2 million Americans leading to increased risk of bone fracture. Point-of-care sensors can be useful to monitor bone density loss and onset of osteoporosis, improving the patient experience by lowering the time required for an auxiliary diagnostic while also reducing healthcare costs, since a specialized operator is not required to perform the measurement.

Task Progress & Bibliography Information FY2023 
Task Progress: This project addresses the topic: “Lab Analysis Point-of-Care Device Evaluation and Downselect” of the Human Research Roadmap (HRR) gap Osteo 5 that states, “we need an in-flight capability to monitor bone turnover and bone mass changes during spaceflight”. One bone remodeling biomarker that can be directly correlated with bone resorption from a non-invasive urine specimen is NTx, a degradation by-product of type I collagen. NTx levels in urine were recently used to evaluate bone health during the NASA Twins Study and is a biomarker of interest, referred to in HRR’s Osteo 5 gap. To address this HRR gap, we have developed a methodology using a printed electrochemical sensor capable of detecting NTx in urine. Our goal is to create a highly adaptable and versatile approach that utilizes fabrication processes consistent with in-space manufacturing, thus enabling the manufacture of point-of-care devices during flight. Going forward, we plan to expand the sensor’s capability to measure a variety of bone remodeling biomarkers simultaneously. However, NTx serves as our initial target for this project and as a proof-of-concept for our approach.

The project objective is to create a space-suitable, printed sensor strip for quantifiable NTx detection coupled to a urine collection device. To accomplish this objective, we have focused on the following Aims. Aim 1: Develop conductive, telopeptide selective and dielectric inks for printed sensor. Aim 2: Print and electrochemically characterize 3-electrode device for NTx detection. Aim 3: Integrate sensor with urine collection device and handheld potentiostat hardware.

During this project, we have created a hands-free and robust manufacturing process using microdispense, inkjet, and 3D printing to generate an electrochemical sensor for measuring NTx from a urine specimen. The sensor utilizes a carbon nanotube ink, which improves the electrochemical response and gold nanoparticles to provide selective surfaces for NTx detection. Using those optimized and pre-screened electronic inks, 3-electrode electrochemical sensors have been printed using inkjet and precision microdispense instrumentation. Both devices were characterized for their electrochemical performance and robustness. Fluid delivery based on lateral flow materials was designed to carry the urine specimen to the sensor surface. Finally, sensors were packaged into reusable cassette holders and interfaced with a handheld reader for simple and reliable operation.

Bibliography: Description: (Last Updated: 04/14/2023) 

Show Cumulative Bibliography
 
Patents U.S. Provisional Appl. No. 63/267,481. Provisional patent issued February 2022. Feb-2022 Koehne J, Cordeiro M, Anderson M. "Viral Antigen Sensor Based on Electrochemical Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) Microelectrode Array."
Project Title:  Printed Electrochemical Sensor Strip for Quantifying Bone Density Loss in Microgravity Reduce
Images: icon  Fiscal Year: FY 2022 
Division: Human Research 
Research Discipline/Element:
HRP HHC:Human Health Countermeasures
Start Date: 10/01/2020  
End Date: 09/30/2021  
Task Last Updated: 07/19/2021 
Download report in PDF pdf
Principal Investigator/Affiliation:   Koehne, Jessica  Ph.D. / NASA Ames Research Center 
Address:  Center for Nanotechnology 
Mail Stop 229-3 
Moffett Field , CA 94035 
Email: Jessica.e.koehne@nasa.gov 
Phone: 650-604-6818  
Congressional District: 18 
Web:  
Organization Type: NASA CENTER 
Organization Name: NASA Ames Research Center 
Joint Agency:  
Comments:  
Co-Investigator(s)
Affiliation: 
Graf, John  Ph.D. NASA Johnson Space Center 
Cordeiro, Milton  Ph.D. USRA 
Key Personnel Changes / Previous PI: July 2021 report: Milton Cordeiro is now Co-Investigator on the project.
Project Information: Grant/Contract No. Internal Project 
Responsible Center: NASA JSC 
Grant Monitor: Stenger, Michael  
Center Contact: 281-483-1311 
michael.b.stenger@nasa.gov 
Unique ID: 14177 
Solicitation / Funding Source: 2019 HERO 80JSC019N0001-FLAGSHIP & OMNIBUS: Human Research Program Crew Health. Appendix A&B 
Grant/Contract No.: Internal Project 
Project Type: GROUND 
Flight Program:  
TechPort: No 
No. of Post Docs:
No. of PhD Candidates:
No. of Master's Candidates:
No. of Bachelor's Candidates:
No. of PhD Degrees:
No. of Master's Degrees:
No. of Bachelor's Degrees:
Human Research Program Elements: (1) HHC:Human Health Countermeasures
Human Research Program Risks: (1) Bone Fracture:Risk of Bone Fracture due to Spaceflight-induced Changes to Bone
(2) Osteo:Risk Of Early Onset Osteoporosis Due To Spaceflight
Human Research Program Gaps: (1) Osteo 5:We need an inflight capability to monitor bone turnover and bone mass changes during spaceflight.
Task Description: The Human Research Program has outlined risks associated with human spaceflight within the Human Research Roadmap. One such risk is listed as the risk of bone fracture due to spaceflight-induced changes to bone. Our objective to create a printed amino-terminal collagen crosslinks (NTX) quantification sensor strip coupled with a facile urine collection and volume measurement device. The proposed project will be a ground-based study with the potential to be further developed for spaceflight. To accomplish the proposed objective, we will complete the following Aims.

Aim 1: Develop conductive, telopeptide selective, and dielectric inks for printed sensor.

Aim 2: Print and electrochemically characterize 3-electrode device for NTX detection.

Aim 3: Integrate sensor with urine collection device and handheld potentiostat hardware.

If successful, the proposed project will reduce risk of crew bone fracture by continuously evaluating bone health by monitoring mineral metabolism as excreted NTX for bone reabsorption. Future studies could expand the scope of health monitoring to include interferon gamma, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, 25 OH-vitamin B, and bone specific alkaline phosphatase, and/or other molecules of interest. Additionally, these sensors will be manufactured entirely by printing technology. It is anticipated that they can eventually be manufactured in an in-space environment, which directly compliments Space Technology Mission Directorate’s In-Space Manufacturing project. By relying on simple printing technology, analytical sensors can be fabricated in space, which would enable adaptive crew health monitoring on long-duration space mission and future habitation.

Research Impact/Earth Benefits: This research has benefits for both humans involved in space travel and for humans on Earth. A sensor that monitors bone health has great benefit for our aging adult population. Osteoporosis is the most common bone disease and affects an estimated 10.2 million Americans leading to increased risk of bone fracture. Point-of-care sensors can be useful to monitor bone density loss and onset of osteoporosis, improving the patient experience by lowering the time required for an auxiliary diagnostic while also reducing healthcare costs, since a specialized operator is not required to perform the measurement.

Task Progress & Bibliography Information FY2022 
Task Progress: This project addresses the topic: “Lab Analysis Point-of-Care Device Evaluation and Downselect” of the Human Research Roadmap (HRR) gap Osteo 5 that states, “we need an in-flight capability to monitor bone turnover and bone mass changes during spaceflight." One bone remodeling biomarker that can be directly correlated with bone resorption from a non-invasive urine specimen is NTx, a degradation by-product of type I collagen (Kuo and Chen, 2017). NTx levels in urine were recently used to evaluate bone health during the NASA Twin Study (Garrett-Bakelman et al., 2019) and is a biomarker of interest, referred to in the Human Research Roadmap (HRR) Osteo 5 gap (as noted above). To address this HRR gap, we have developed a methodology using a printed electrochemical sensor capable of detecting NTx in urine. Our goal is to create a highly adaptable and versatile approach that utilizes fabrication processes consistent with in-space manufacturing, thus enabling the manufacture of point-of-care devices during flight. Going forward, we plan to expand the sensor’s capability to measure a variety of bone remodeling biomarkers simultaneously. However, NTx serves as our initial target for this project and as a proof-of-concept for our approach.

The project objective is to create a space-suitable, printed sensor strip for quantifiable NTx detection coupled to a urine collection device. To accomplish this objective, we have focused on the following Aims.

Aim 1: Develop conductive, telopeptide selective and dielectric inks for printed sensor.

Aim 2: Print and electrochemically characterize 3-electrode device for NTx detection.

Aim 3: Integrate sensor with urine collection device and handheld potentiostat hardware

This project was heavily impacted due to the COVID-19 shutdown and laboratory access has not yet been granted for this project.

During this period of performance, we have generated, optimized, and selected conductive and dielectric inks for the printed electrochemical sensor. We have evaluated commercial inks and homemade inks and selected the most suitable for this application. For example, it was determined that further processing of carboxylic acid functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT-COOH) was required to create stable aqueous inks suitable for inkjet printing. Commercial silver nanoparticle (AgNP) and dielectric inks were used for the remaining circuitry of the sensor. Additional ink development to produce telopeptide selective inks is currently underway.

Using those optimized and pre-screened electronic inks, 3-electrode electrochemical sensors have been printed using inkjet and precision microdispense instrumentation with two unique device designs. Both devices were characterized for their electrochemical performance and robustness. Fluid delivery was designed to carry the urine specimen to the sensor surface. Finally, sensors were packaged into reusable cassette holders for simple and reliable operation. Development and characterization of NTx sensing is currently underway.

It is envisioned that the printed sensor will be integrated with commercially available handheld potentiostat hardware and a previously developed urine collection device. The design of these interfaces require easy assembly and disassembly for non-cumbersome overall sensor operation. Significant effort is required of this Aim as the project moves forward.

References

Kuo, T. R.; Chen, C. H. Bone Biomarker for the Clinical Assessment of Osteoporosis: Recent Developments and Future Perspectives. Biomark. Res. 2017, 5 (1), 5–13.

Garrett-Bakelman, F. E.; Darshi, M.; Green, S. J.; Gur, R. C.; Lin, L.; Macias, B. R.; McKenna, M. J.; Meydan, C.; Mishra, T.; Nasrini, J.; et al. The NASA Twins Study: A Multidimensional Analysis of a Year-Long Human Spaceflight. Science (80). 2019, 364.

Bibliography: Description: (Last Updated: 04/14/2023) 

Show Cumulative Bibliography
 
 None in FY 2022
Project Title:  Printed Electrochemical Sensor Strip for Quantifying Bone Density Loss in Microgravity Reduce
Images: icon  Fiscal Year: FY 2021 
Division: Human Research 
Research Discipline/Element:
HRP HHC:Human Health Countermeasures
Start Date: 10/01/2020  
End Date: 09/30/2021  
Task Last Updated: 12/05/2020 
Download report in PDF pdf
Principal Investigator/Affiliation:   Koehne, Jessica  Ph.D. / NASA Ames Research Center 
Address:  Center for Nanotechnology 
Mail Stop 229-3 
Moffett Field , CA 94035 
Email: Jessica.e.koehne@nasa.gov 
Phone: 650-604-6818  
Congressional District: 18 
Web:  
Organization Type: NASA CENTER 
Organization Name: NASA Ames Research Center 
Joint Agency:  
Comments:  
Co-Investigator(s)
Affiliation: 
Graf, John  Ph.D. NASA Johnson Space Center 
Project Information: Grant/Contract No. Internal Project 
Responsible Center: NASA JSC 
Grant Monitor: Stenger, Michael  
Center Contact: 281-483-1311 
michael.b.stenger@nasa.gov 
Unique ID: 14177 
Solicitation / Funding Source: 2019 HERO 80JSC019N0001-FLAGSHIP & OMNIBUS: Human Research Program Crew Health. Appendix A&B 
Grant/Contract No.: Internal Project 
Project Type: GROUND 
Flight Program:  
TechPort: No 
No. of Post Docs:  
No. of PhD Candidates:  
No. of Master's Candidates:  
No. of Bachelor's Candidates:  
No. of PhD Degrees:  
No. of Master's Degrees:  
No. of Bachelor's Degrees:  
Human Research Program Elements: (1) HHC:Human Health Countermeasures
Human Research Program Risks: (1) Bone Fracture:Risk of Bone Fracture due to Spaceflight-induced Changes to Bone
(2) Osteo:Risk Of Early Onset Osteoporosis Due To Spaceflight
Human Research Program Gaps: (1) Osteo 5:We need an inflight capability to monitor bone turnover and bone mass changes during spaceflight.
Task Description: The Human Research Program has outlined risks associated with human spaceflight within the Human Research Roadmap. One such risk is listed as the risk of bone fracture due to spaceflight-induced changes to bone. Our objective to create a printed amino-terminal collagen crosslinks (NTX) quantification sensor strip coupled with a facile urine collection and volume measurement device. The proposed project will be a ground-based study with the potential to be further developed for spaceflight. To accomplish the proposed objective, we will complete the following Aims.

Aim 1: Develop conductive, telopeptide selective, and dielectric inks for printed sensor.

Aim 2: Print and electrochemically characterize 3-electrode device for NTX detection.

Aim 3: Integrate sensor with urine collection device and handheld potentiostat hardware.

If successful, the proposed project will reduce risk of crew bone fracture by continuously evaluating bone health by monitoring mineral metabolism as excreted NTX for bone reabsorption. Future studies could expand the scope of health monitoring to include interferon gamma, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, 25 OH-vitamin B, and bone specific alkaline phosphatase, and/or other molecules of interest. Additionally, these sensors will be manufactured entirely by printing technology. It is anticipated that they can eventually be manufactured in an in-space environment, which directly compliments Space Technology Mission Directorate’s In-Space Manufacturing project. By relying on simple printing technology, analytical sensors can be fabricated in space, which would enable adaptive crew health monitoring on long-duration space mission and future habitation.

Research Impact/Earth Benefits:

Task Progress & Bibliography Information FY2021 
Task Progress: New project for FY2021.

Bibliography: Description: (Last Updated: 04/14/2023) 

Show Cumulative Bibliography
 
 None in FY 2021