Integrated chemical analysis microsystems in space life sciences research

A review of life sciences research in space, and the experimental infrastructure available or proposed for future development is presented. The monitoring of a wide range of chemical parameters is required in contrasting experimental configurations, ranging from autonomous experimental modules in sounding rockets, to bioregenerative life support systems on manned planetary bases. Microsystem technologies (MST) are proposed as a solution to the development of integrated chemical analysis systems which will meet both the diverse requirements for chemical monitoring systems, and the constraints of size and power imposed on instrument design by deployment on space missions. It is proposed that these technologies will transform the data yield from experiments, and expand the scope for more creative experimental protocol. The use of MST is illustrated with design concepts for cell microincubators, and a chemical analysis facility. The review concludes that the application to space life science research provides a challenging and unique opportunity for the development of demonstrator prototype microsystems.

[1]  Yu-Chong Tai,et al.  Lightly-doped polysilicon bridge as a flow meter , 1988 .

[2]  Y. Jimbo,et al.  Electrical stimulation and recording from cultured neurons using a planar electrode array , 1992 .

[3]  Andreas Manz,et al.  Planar glass chips for capillary electrophoresis: repetitive sample injection, quantitation, and separation efficiency , 1993 .

[4]  M. Esashi,et al.  Integrated micro flow control systems , 1990 .

[5]  H. Sandmaier,et al.  A micro membrane pump with electrostatic actuation , 1992, [1992] Proceedings IEEE Micro Electro Mechanical Systems.

[6]  C Tamponnet,et al.  Implementation of biological elements in life support systems: rationale and development milestones. , 1993, ESA bulletin. Bulletin ASE. European Space Agency.

[7]  Walter Gumbrecht,et al.  Combination of amperometric and potentiometric sensor principles for on-line blood monitoring , 1992 .

[8]  Shigeru Nakagawa,et al.  Micropump and sample-injector for integrated chemical analyzing systems , 1990 .

[9]  A. Campbell,et al.  Imaging calcium dynamics in living plants using semi-synthetic recombinant aequorins , 1993, The Journal of cell biology.

[10]  Shuichi Shoji,et al.  Micro flow cell for blood gas analysis realizing very small sample volume , 1992 .

[11]  S. Terry,et al.  A gas chromatographic air analyzer fabricated on a silicon wafer , 1979, IEEE Transactions on Electron Devices.

[12]  Albert van den Berg,et al.  Modular Setup for a Miniaturized Chemical Analysis System , 1993 .

[13]  S. Jeanneret,et al.  Integrated flow-regulated silicon micropump , 1994 .

[14]  A. Manz,et al.  Design of an open-tubular column liquid chromatograph using silicon chip technology , 1990 .

[15]  Gerda Horneck,et al.  Radiobiological experiments in space: A review , 1992 .

[16]  S. Jeanneret,et al.  Microsystems for Flow Injection Analysis , 1993 .

[17]  B. G. Kovrov,et al.  Long-term experiments on man's stay in biological life-support system. , 1989, Advances in space research : the official journal of the Committee on Space Research.

[18]  A Cogoli,et al.  Activation of microcarrier-attached lymphocytes in microgravity. , 1992, Biotechnology and bioengineering.

[19]  H. Lintel,et al.  A piezoelectric micropump based on micromachining of silicon , 1988 .

[20]  Kenji Yokoyama,et al.  Trends in biosensor research and development , 1993 .

[21]  Peter Woias,et al.  An ISFET-FIA system for high precision pH recording , 1993 .

[22]  David Anthony Barrow,et al.  Development of New Sensors for Biological Life Support Systems , 1994 .

[23]  J. W. Parce,et al.  Biosensors based on the energy metabolism of living cells: the physical chemistry and cell biology of extracellular acidification. , 1992, Biosensors & bioelectronics.

[24]  P Connolly,et al.  Cell guidance by ultrafine topography in vitro. , 1991, Journal of cell science.

[25]  H. Reichl,et al.  Packaging and interconnection of sensors , 1990 .

[26]  U. Bonne,et al.  Micromachined silicon microvalve , 1990, IEEE Proceedings on Micro Electro Mechanical Systems, An Investigation of Micro Structures, Sensors, Actuators, Machines and Robots..

[27]  J. Esteve,et al.  Flow-through pH-ISFET + reference-ISE as integrated detector in automated FIA determinations , 1992 .

[28]  H. M. Brown,et al.  A light emitting diode microspectrophotometer: intracellular Ca2+ measurements in isolated stretch receptor , 1993, Journal of Neuroscience Methods.

[29]  R S Johnston,et al.  Prolonged weightlessness and calcium loss in man. , 1979, Acta astronautica.

[30]  Shuichi Shoji,et al.  Prototype miniature blood gas analyser fabricated on a silicon wafer , 1988 .

[31]  Pasqualina M. Sarro,et al.  Integrated thermopile sensors , 1990 .