Microphysiological systems (MPS) have the potential not only to (1) define new countermeasures and (2) improve personalized healthcare but also to (3) explore biological effects in new environments. Currently, most MPS studies conducted in space have primarily relied on post-flight analysis. Future exploration class missions beyond Low Earth Orbit (LEO) are unlikely to provide a fully capable wet lab environment nor be able to easily transport samples back to the ground, so new methods are needed to measure biomarkers to support research and advance human health in space. To enable biological research for these exploration class missions, advancements in current technologies are needed to support in-situ analysis and monitoring capabilities during missions and for precision health in preparation for future missions. This solicitation focuses on improving analysis capabilities for research advancements in biomarker, bioindicator, or biosignature measurement capabilities within or connected to an MPS that could be done during space flight and do not require sample return.
Ideal methods would be non-invasive and non-sample destructive, allowing for data collection over multiple time points separated by days or weeks, especially considering that the field is moving toward MPS that can survive for six months. In addition to biomarkers, proposers may also address environmental factors, cell function, and tissue function that would impact the overall health of the advanced biological construct.
Priority will be given to technologies or methods that can measure a broader range of usable markers. For example, we are looking for measurement systems or technologies that can measure multiple biomarkers rather than bespoke systems for each potential marker. The ideal measurement system would be usable in any advanced biological construct and thus should not be specialized for a particular laboratory group’s MPS.
No particular biomarkers are specified for this solicitation. Proposers must make a case for their biomarker choices or targets. Proposers are expected to provide information on how the method of analysis is expected to impact an MPS’ function as well as how they would handle potential decrements to the health of the advanced biological construct that might result from the use of the method of analysis. Preliminary data supporting the feasibility of the proposed method of measurement is required.
Eligibility
All categories of United States (U.S.) institutions and companies are eligible to submit proposals. Principal Investigators (PIs) may collaborate with universities, the private sector, and federal, state, and local government laboratories. In all such arrangements, the applying entity is expected to be responsible for administering the project according to the management approach presented in the proposal. For our policy on international proposers and institutions, please refer to the FAQ and FAR Supplement.
Please see the solicitation documents below for detailed information:
Remote Biomarker Measurements in Microphysiological Systems
Microphysiological systems (MPS) have the potential not only to (1) define new countermeasures and (2) improve personalized healthcare but also to (3) explore biological effects in new environments. Currently, most MPS studies conducted in space have primarily relied on post-flight analysis. Future exploration class missions beyond Low Earth Orbit (LEO) are unlikely to provide a fully capable wet lab environment nor be able to easily transport samples back to the ground, so new methods are needed to measure biomarkers to support research and advance human health in space. To enable biological research for these exploration class missions, advancements in current technologies are needed to support in-situ analysis and monitoring capabilities during missions and for precision health in preparation for future missions. This solicitation focuses on improving analysis capabilities for research advancements in biomarker, bioindicator, or biosignature measurement capabilities within or connected to an MPS that could be done during space flight and do not require sample return.
Ideal methods would be non-invasive and non-sample destructive, allowing for data collection over multiple time points separated by days or weeks, especially considering that the field is moving toward MPS that can survive for six months. In addition to biomarkers, proposers may also address environmental factors, cell function, and tissue function that would impact the overall health of the advanced biological construct.
Priority will be given to technologies or methods that can measure a broader range of usable markers. For example, we are looking for measurement systems or technologies that can measure multiple biomarkers rather than bespoke systems for each potential marker. The ideal measurement system would be usable in any advanced biological construct and thus should not be specialized for a particular laboratory group’s MPS.
No particular biomarkers are specified for this solicitation. Proposers must make a case for their biomarker choices or targets. Proposers are expected to provide information on how the method of analysis is expected to impact an MPS’ function as well as how they would handle potential decrements to the health of the advanced biological construct that might result from the use of the method of analysis. Preliminary data supporting the feasibility of the proposed method of measurement is required.
Eligibility
All categories of United States (U.S.) institutions and companies are eligible to submit proposals. Principal Investigators (PIs) may collaborate with universities, the private sector, and federal, state, and local government laboratories. In all such arrangements, the applying entity is expected to be responsible for administering the project according to the management approach presented in the proposal. For our policy on international proposers and institutions, please refer to the FAQ and FAR Supplement.
Please see the solicitation documents below for detailed information: