A lab-on-a-chip was developed that is capable of extracting biochemical indicators from urine samples and generating their surface-enhanced Raman spectra (SERS) so that the indicators can be quantified and identified. The development was motivated by the need to monitor and assess the effects of extended weightlessness, which include space motion sickness and loss of bone and muscle mass. The results may lead to developments of effective exercise programs and drug regimes that would maintain astronaut health.
The analyzer containing the lab-on-a-chip includes materials to extract 3-methylhistidine (a muscle-loss indicator) and Risedronate (a bone-loss indicator) from the urine sample and detect them at the required concentrations using a Raman analyzer. The lab-on-a-chip has both an extractive material and a SERS-active material. The analyzer could be used to monitor the onset of diseases, such as osteoporosis.
This work was done by Stuart Farquharson, Frank Inscore, and Chetan Shende of Real- Time Analyzers, Inc. for Glenn Research Center. For more information, download the Technical Support Package (free white paper) at www.techbriefs.com/tsp under the Bio-Medical category.
Inquiries concerning rights for the commercial use of this invention should be addressed to
NASA Glenn Research Center
Innovative Partnerships Office
Attn: Steve Fedor
Mail Stop 4–8
21000 Brookpark Road
Cleveland
Ohio 44135.
Refer to LEW-18258-1.
This Brief includes a Technical Support Package (TSP).
On-Demand Urine Analyzer
(reference LEW-18258-1) is currently available for download from the TSP library.
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Overview
The document outlines the development and capabilities of a novel On-Demand Urine Analyzer created by NASA, specifically designed to monitor astronaut health during extended space missions. Extended weightlessness can lead to significant physiological changes in astronauts, including space motion sickness, and loss of bone and muscle mass. To address these issues, it is essential to monitor these physiological changes effectively, as they can be reflected in the chemical composition of urine.
The analyzer utilizes a unique lab-on-a-chip technology that allows for the extraction and quantification of key biochemical indicators from urine samples. Notably, it can detect 3-methylhistidine, which serves as an indicator of muscle loss, and Risedronate, a drug used to inhibit bone loss. The analyzer employs surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) to generate spectra of these target chemicals, enabling their identification and quantification.
Traditional methods for analyzing urine samples involve bringing them back to Earth for analysis using standard instrumentation, such as liquid or gas chromatography, which are labor-intensive, slow, and unsuitable for space environments. The novel lab-on-a-chip developed during this Phase II Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program addresses these limitations by providing a compact, efficient, and rapid analysis method. The complete analysis process takes less than 10 minutes, making it feasible for real-time monitoring in space.
The document also highlights the potential commercial applications of the analyzer beyond space missions. The SERS Urinalysis Chip could be utilized in monitoring the onset of diseases such as osteoporosis, showcasing its versatility in both aerospace and medical fields.
In summary, the On-Demand Urine Analyzer represents a significant advancement in the ability to monitor astronaut health in space, addressing the challenges posed by weightlessness on human physiology. Its innovative design and rapid analysis capabilities make it a valuable tool for ensuring the well-being of astronauts and have potential applications in broader medical diagnostics.
