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Enhanced Microbial Detection Capabilities by a Rapid Portable InstrumentWe present data describing a progression of continuing technology development - from expanding the detection capabilities of the current PTS unit to re-outfitting the instrument with a protein microarray increasing the number of detectable compounds. To illustrate the adaptability of the cartridge format, on-orbit operations data from the ISS demonstrate the detection of the fungal cell wall compound beta-glucan using applicable LOCAD-PTS cartridges. LOCAD-PTS is a handheld device consisting of a spectrophotometer, an onboard pumping mechanism, and data storage capabilities. A suite of interchangeable cartridges lined with four distinct capillaries allow a hydrated sample to mix with necessary reagents in the channels before being pumped to the optical well for spectrophotometric analysis. The reagents housed in one type of cartridge trigger a reaction based on the Limulus Amebocyte Lysate (LAL) assay, which results in the release of paranitroaniline dye. The dye is measured using a 395 nm filter. The LAL assay detects the Gram-negative bacterial cell wall molecule, endotoxin or lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The more dye released, the greater the concentration of endotoxin in the sample. Sampling, quantitative analysis, and data retrieval require less than 20 minutes. This is significantly faster than standard culture-based methods, which require at least a 24 hour incubation period.Using modified cartridges, we demonstrate the detection of Gram negative bacteria with protein microarray technology. Additionally, we provide data from multiple field tests where both standard and advanced PTS technologies were used. These tests investigate the transfer of target microbial molecules from one surface to another. Collectively, these data demonstrate that the new cartridges expand the number of compounds detected by LOCAD-PTS, while maintaining the rapid, in situ analysis characteristic of the instrument. The unit provides relevant data for verifying sterile sample collection protocols, which are critical for conducting accurate scientific experiments during future missions to the Moon and Mars.
Document ID
20100020350
Acquisition Source
Marshall Space Flight Center
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Morris, Heather
(NASA Marshall Space Flight Center Huntsville, AL, United States)
Monaco, Lisa
(NASA Marshall Space Flight Center Huntsville, AL, United States)
Wainwright, Norm
(NASA Marshall Space Flight Center Huntsville, AL, United States)
Steele, Andrew
(NASA Marshall Space Flight Center Huntsville, AL, United States)
Damon, Michael
(NASA Marshall Space Flight Center Huntsville, AL, United States)
Schenk, Alison
(NASA Marshall Space Flight Center Huntsville, AL, United States)
Stimpson, Eric
(NASA Marshall Space Flight Center Huntsville, AL, United States)
Maule, Jake
(NASA Marshall Space Flight Center Huntsville, AL, United States)
Effinger, Michael
(NASA Marshall Space Flight Center Huntsville, AL, United States)
Date Acquired
August 24, 2013
Publication Date
April 25, 2010
Subject Category
Life Sciences (General)
Report/Patent Number
M09-0708
Meeting Information
Meeting: SpaceOps 2010: Delivering on the Dream
Location: Huntsville, AL
Country: United States
Start Date: April 25, 2010
End Date: April 30, 2010
Sponsors: NASA Marshall Space Flight Center, American Inst. of Aeronautics and Astronautics
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NNM05AB50C
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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