Development of a Microfluidic Front-End, Sample-Processing Subsystem

One of the highest science risks during NASA missions involving living organisms, including the search for them and/or their biomarkers or signatures, is the quality and reliability of sample preparation and handling prior to in-situ analysis (1; 2). Afluidic instrument is being developed, Charged Info-storage Polymer Prep System (ChIPPS), that will enable automated preparation of an environmental sample by extracting, concentrating, and desalting information-storage polymers. Linear charged polymers with multiple functional block types—typified by, though not limited to, the nucleic acids DNA and RNA— are a class of molecules understood to be necessary for life’s function and replication (3). The capability to characterize charged polymers for detecting biosignatures is driven by the emergence of nanopore technology. ChIPPS will prepare environmental samples for downstream delivery to biosignatures detection instruments, such as those being developed using nanopore technologies. References: (1) La Duc, M.T.et al."Comparative analysis of methods for the purification of DNA from low‐bio-mass samples based on total yield and conserved microbial diversity," JRapid Methods & Automation Microbio17.3(2009): 350-68. (2) Salmon, K.et al."Global gene expression profiling in Escherichia coliK12 the effects of oxy-gen availability and FNR," J.BioChem278.32(2003): 29837-55. (3) Benner, Steven A., and Daniel Hutter. "Phosphates, DNA, and the search for nonterrean life: A second generation model for genetic molecules," BioorgChem30.1(2002): 62-80