A Heritage BioSensor for Lunar Biology Experiments

Introduction: Automated biological experiments on small spacecraft missions have gained prominence over the past decade due to their simplicity, accessibility, and small mass, volume, and power needs. Most recently, the BioSensor microfluidic CubeSat payload aboard BioSentinel used an automated microfluidic cell culture system to study the effects of environmental stressors like deep space radiation and microgravity on yeast growth and metabolism. BioSentinel’s successor, the Lunar Explorer Instrument for space biology Applications (LEIA), will study the effects of lunar gravity and radiation using an improved version of the BioSensor microfluidic platform. The BioSensor payload has great adaptability to host a diverse range of biological experiments with single- and multi-celled organisms in both crewed and uncrewed missions, making it a compelling candidate for future space biology studies in a lunar surface environment.

BioSensor Instrumentation on BioSentinel: The first spaceflight mission with the BioSensor, BioSentinel’s biology experiments occurred at three locations -- deep space, ISS and ground. The payload contained 18 microfluidic cards, each featuring 16 growth wells (a total of 288 growth wells). Each well was loaded before launch with desiccated yeast. In space, liquid culture medium (nutrients) was automatically introduced to batches of wells at a time to initiate a series of biology experiments. Temperature was maintained by thin film heaters on both sides of each card. Each well was equipped with three LEDs emitting at 570 nm, 630 nm, and 850 nm, paired with photodetectors to measure cell concentration and the alamarBlue (metabolic indicator dye) color transition from blue to pink. Phenotypic parameters like cell viability, metabolic rate, and generation time can be derived from these measurements. The sequence and timing of fluid fills, optical measurements, and thermal control were stored onboard, but could be updated asynchronously via ground communication.

LEIA: LEIA is slated for launch no earlier than 2026 on a CLPS lander. BioSentinel’s BioSensor has been modified for use in LEIA. These improvements include: (a) storage for multiple culture medium types, (b) additional LED color (465 nm) for a new biological assay for antioxidant (carotenoid) production, (c) housing modifications for later biology load before launch, (d) improved isolation between electronic and fluidic components, and (e) improved humidity control for prolonged organism viability in case of post-load launch delay.

Future Prospects: The consistent and successful demonstration of complex fluidics platforms alongside reliable instrument operations in a space environment is poised to create strong momentum for BioSensor-based biological experiment payloads. Planned future developments with the BioSensor include extending compatibility to a broader range of organisms and assays. Preliminary work has already demonstrated successful growth of Arabidopsis seedlings in fluidic cards. With a few modifications to the optical assembly, the setup could easily measure photosynthetic traits in plants and cyanobacteria. The addition of fluorescence measurements and generation of novel luminescent assays will elevate BioSensor’s functionality further.

Beyond the BioSensor’s potential uses on free-flyer missions, ISS and Gateway, and CLPS landers, deploying the BioSensor to the lunar surface or in an artificial habitat on crewed missions could enable pioneering research on both how life responds to lunar conditions and future bioproduction capabilities making the BioSensor an indispensable tool for future space biology research.