Aleida de Vos van Steenwijk

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BIODETECT detection and quantification of
micro-organisms

• Aleida de Vos van Steenwijk

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Project aim

• Development of hardware and protocols for easy
  and robust sampling, detection and monitoring of
  pathogenic micro-organisms in manned space
  flights.

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Partners

• UMCG Advisor in the field of microbial ecology
  and hygiene of human pathogens
• Dutch Space BV Experts in design and construction
  of space qualified hardware
• LioniX BV Experts in design and realization of
  MEMS- and Microfluidic prototype devices
• TNO Science and Industry Expert group in
  microfluidics for the High-end Equipment market
• Bioclear BV Experts in the detection, monitoring,
  and control of micro-organisms in diverse
  environments.

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The need for Biodetect

• Microgravity changes characteristics of
  micro-organisms, e.g. faster growth rates
• More pathogens in confined spaces owing to lack
  of competitors
• Immune system of flight crew thought to be
  compromised by space flight conditions
• Recycling of water and air increases risk of
  prevalence of micro-organisms.
• Need for routine monitoring of microbial hygiene
  and safety.

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Requirements for hardware

• Able to identify and quantify pathogens without
  culturing steps ? detection of genetic material
  (DNA) by Q-PCR
• Must be used by non-specialist flight crew
  easy-to-use, fast, reliable and robust
• Must be suitable for use in manned space craft
  small, light, minimal use of fluids, minimal
  waste production and safe
• Output simple enough for analysis by
  non-specialists (e.g. red or green light).

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Modular system
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System integration
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Technical challenges

• Miniaturisation
• Fluidics
• Air bubbles
• Adsorption ? coatings
• Reusable vs. disposable
• Heating / cooling systems
• Detection of fluorescence
• Drying / freezing of necessary chemical components

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Outcome of Biodetect

• Demonstrator model for routine hygiene control of
  air, water and solid surfaces in manned space
  flights (on-site)