New Tools Developed for Bio-Science Experiments on the International Space Station

During the past year, much of NASA's research efforts have been focused on the promotion of astronaut health and safety. Glenn Research Center manages several projects involved in developing countermeasures to reduce the health problems caused by prolonged exposure to microgravity. Under contract with Glenn, Physical Sciences Inc. (PSI) is working on Low-Power, Confocal Imaging of Protein Localization in Living Cells to better understand osteoporosis in astronauts.

Currently in Phase II, the project utilizes a compact laser and fluorescence microscopy to study the activity of bone cells. Commenting on the project’s overall impact on NASA and the medical community, contracting officer, Dr. DeVon Griffin, said, “It will allow investigators to better understand the cellular pathways associated with bone remodeling, thus helping both astronauts and those who suffer from osteoporosis on Earth.”

The project was initiated two years ago when Glenn identified the need for better tools to facilitate biological research experiments using the Light Microscopy Module (LMM) on the International Space Station (ISS). The LMM is a computerized microscope that is part of the Fluids Integration Rack (FIR) and was developed to study fluid physics in microgravity. Through a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) solicitation, PSI was selected to perform the work.

The basic requirements for the new LMM tools were a compact laser (with a wavelength of approximately 600 nanometers) and fluorescent agents. The laser had to be reliable, yet small enough to meet the strict weight, power, and size requirements for ISS flight hardware. Fluorescent agents, along with a line of bone cells with clearly visible markers, are necessary for fluorescence microscopy. This technique monitors cellular activity and protein interaction by sending out a colored beam of light to the bone cells, which returns the light in a different color.

Confocal imaging technology will improve scientists' understanding of the effects of osteoporosis as it occurs in astronauts at accelerated rates. In the absence of gravity, osteoblasts do not readily rebuild bone cells. According to the project's contracting officer, Dr. DeVon Griffin, astronauts typically lose about 1-2% bone mass per month in the weight-bearing areas of their bodies. If this bone loss were to occur throughout a long-duration spaceflight to Mars, the astronauts would likely return to Earth with a severely damaged skeletal system.

Phase II of the imaging project began in January 2005. So far, PSI has procured the compact laser and successfully established a stable cell line using DNA from protein fusion. They have been photographing and analyzing images of the cell activity after manipulating the genetic structures.

“The most rewarding part of this project has been seeing my ideas translated into real work with real results that could significantly impact the future of human health,” said Dr. Griffin.

PSI is also working on integrating and testing a second laser to be added to the imaging system. As this research continues, increased knowledge of bone cell activity will result in more efficient countermeasures to protect astronaut health and may even help medical researchers prevent osteoporosis in those living on Earth.