microfluidics Archives - Astrobiology

Preflight microscopic image of C. elegans worms expressing fluorescent labels, reporting on changes in gut, nerve, and muscle function as part of C. elegans Biological Investigation on Microbiome Effect in Space (CBIOMES). NASA ID: jsc2026e014315 larger image Credit: Baylor College of Medicine. Date Created:2026-03-23

Genomics, Proteomics, Bioinformatics, Imaging & Spectroscopy, Microbiology & Virology, Microgravity, Press Release, Space Life Science, Space Physiology & Medicine, Space Stations

Space Biology: CBIOMES Preflight Microscopic Imagery Of C. elegans

by Keith CowingMarch 29, 2026March 29, 2026

This investigation studies how spaceflight impacts the relationship between organisms and their gut microbiome by observing changes in nematodes down to the cellular level to identify ways to maintain microbiome […]

ExocubeBio -- biorxiv.org

Astropharmacy / Biotechnology, Biochemistry & Organic Chemistry, Biophysics, Genomics, Proteomics, Bioinformatics, Gravitational Biology, Life Support Systems, Microbiology & Virology, Microgravity, Nanotechnology & SynBio, Status Report

ExocubeBio: An In-situ Fluidic Platform For Microbial Exposure On The International Space Station

by Keith CowingMarch 26, 2026June 10, 2026

Space-based platforms currently represent the most accurate means to experimentally assess the influence of the space environment on biological systems. However, performing such experiments remains technically challenging and requires highly […]

The envisioned mission to Enceladus: A lander mission towards the south polar region deploys the “Alien Carousel” ice sampling system. It integrates microfluidics and digital holographic microscopy setup to image and study the movement of microorganisms in a liquid volume. The mechanical system relies on a single rotary actuator. -- Frontiers

Biochemistry & Organic Chemistry, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Enceladus, Genomics, Proteomics, Bioinformatics, Habitable Zones, Icy Worlds, Imaging & Spectroscopy, Status Report, Tricorders & Sensors

Tricorder Tech: Alien Carousel – In Situ Life Detection On Icy Moons With A Single-actuator Holographic Microfluidic Platform

by Keith CowingSeptember 23, 2025September 23, 2025

Enceladus, one of Saturn’s moons, is considered one of the most promising places in the solar system to find life.

(A) C4D PCB connected to the electrode disc. (B) Actuator perfboard connected to the solenoids. (C) Circuit boards placed inside the canister. (D) Corresponding CAD design showing the placement of components inside the canister. -- Sensors (Basel) via PubMed

Enceladus, Europa, Exploration Gear & Tech, Ganymede, Icy Worlds, Missions & Hardware, Status Report, Tricorders & Sensors

Early Technology Readiness Level (TRL) Development of the Microfluidic Inorganic Conductivity Detector for Europa and the Solenoid-Based Actuator Assembly for Impact Penetrators

by Keith CowingDecember 22, 2024December 22, 2024

This study introduces an innovative in situ lander/impact-penetrator design tailored for Discovery-class missions to Europa, specifically focused on conducting astrobiological analyses.

Lab-on-chip Technologies For Space Research -- NASA

AI - Data - Apps - Cybernetics, Astropharmacy / Biotechnology, Biophysics, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Commercial & Private Sector, Cubesats and smallsats, Exploration Gear & Tech, Genomics, Proteomics, Bioinformatics, Microbiology & Virology, Microgravity, Missions & Hardware, Nanotechnology & SynBio, Sample Return, Space Life Science, Space Stations, Status Report, Tricorders & Sensors

Lab-on-chip Technologies For Space Research — Current Trends and Prospects

by Keith CowingSeptember 30, 2024October 16, 2024

The in-depth analysis concerning application of microfluidic instruments for space biology research is presented.

(i) Flight-Scope and (ii) syringe pump inside the Zarges box with (iii) three syringe rack holders, also depicted in the rightmost red outline, each holding a sample set, depicted in the leftmost red outline with (iv) primed glucose inlet tubing and (v) stowed outlet balloons. -- biorxiv.org

Exploration Gear & Tech, Gravitational Biology, Imaging & Spectroscopy, Microgravity, Missions & Hardware, Space Life Science, Space Stations, Status Report, Tricorders & Sensors

Flight-Scope: Microscopy With Microfluidics In Microgravity

by Keith CowingJune 19, 2024June 19, 2024

With the European Space Agency (ESA) and NASA working to return humans to the moon and onwards to Mars, it has never been more important to study the impact of […]