INTEGRATED FLUIDIC SYSTEM FOR GROWTH AND FLUORESCENCE IMAGING OF MULTICELLULAR ORGANISMS IN NANOSATELLITE APPLICATIONS

摘要

We present here an integrated micro-fluidic system for conducting fully automated, unmanned biological experiments in space. The system allows up to four different biological species to be stored for more than 6 weeks in stasis. It includes integrated fluorescence-based imaging of a live-organism detection chamber, built-in buffer/waste storage compartments, precise temperature control, and automated fluidic handling to grow, transfer, and wash the specimens. The 3-D fluidic system utilizes multi-layer pressure sensitive adhesive bonding technology combining eight different materials. This system demonstrates a new generation of complex fluidic devices for highly automated biological assay experiments in space.