KSC Fixation Tube Biocompatibility Study Using Caenorhabditis elegans

1
KSC Fixation Tube Biocompatibility Study Using
Caenorhabditis elegans

• Khue Truong
• Flight trainee, SLSTP 2004
• PI Oliver Van Den Ende

2
Introduction

• C. elegans studies can be related to human
  biology. Scientists need to preserve the worms in
  their space condition for transporting them
  back to earth to conclude experimentation.
  Kennedy Space Center Fixation Tubes (KFTs) can be
  used in this case to preserve specimens. This
  project tested whether growing and preserving C.
  elegans was possible in KFTs and to determine
  KFTs self-sufficiency. Special focus was given to
  the simplicity of the methods so the experiment
  could be repeated easily in space.

3
How does it work?

• Fig.1 An adult C. elegans
  Fig.2 a KFT
  
• Make rectangular CeMM-agar plates
• Spot C. elegans respectively
• Roll and insert agar plates into KFTs sample
  chambers
• Incubate 9 days, room temperature
• Test for growth wash the worms off the plates,
  filter, stain with Commassie Brilliant Blue,
  count nematodes
• Fix in KFT with water and formaldehyde

4
Conclusion

• C. elegans showed significant growth in KFTs with
  CeMM-agar layers coating inside the sample
  chambers. C. elgegans were also preserved in KFTs
  with 3 formaldehyde. This project has
  successfully demonstrated that KFTs are
  self-sufficient.