Tech Briefs Magazine - June 2022 - 45

Self-Contained Device Isolates Biological Samples
Pipette-free technology enables DNA/RNA isolation/analysis outside of the laboratory
using a self-contained device.
NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX
A
patented self-contained device for
isolating deoxyribonucleic acid
(DNA), ribonucleic acid (RNA), proteins,
and cells without using pipettes or
centrifuges has been developed at NASA's
Johnson Space Center (JSC). Composed
of reagents, functionalized membranes,
and multi-way valves and pumps,
this fluidic system enables automation of
highly accurate real-time polymerase
chain reaction (PCR) technology to isolate
genetic material from organisms
and microorganisms for molecular analysis.
The device is self-enclosed and leakproof,
so users are protected from chemically
hazardous reagents.
JSC's technology provides hazard-free,
microgravity-compatible hardware for
DNA/RNA isolation. It also allows PCR
analysis to be used outside the lab in environments
where pipetting is difficult
and/or where hazardous chemicals must
be confined to an enclosed container,
such as military settings and remote clinical
operations. This self-contained device
for isolating DNA/RNA, proteins,
The device is a component system that includes
syringes and pistons, membranes of different
capacities, reagents, four-way valves, and small
pumps. (Photo: NASA)
and cells is a component system that includes
syringes and pistons, membranes
of different capacities, reagents, four-way
valves, and small pumps.
The pre-filled reagents are the same as
those used in conventional PCR laboratory
isolation analysis. The DNA and
RNA isolation kits process small sample
amounts using a self-enclosed and pipette-free
technique. Multiple kits can
be stacked to allow several samples to be
processed simultaneously. The system
can be used in conjunction with existing
analysis modules, such as commercially
available DNA instruments. The process
can be fully automated and programmed
and can potentially be applied to other
biological processes. The JSC innovation
will permit the extension of laboratory
isolation protocols to many applications.
Developed to enable molecular diagnostics
aboard the International Space
Station, this easy-to-use analysis tool can
be fully automated and programmed,
extending laboratory isolation protocols
to numerous applications in healthcare,
forensics, and field biology.
NASA is actively seeking licensees to commercialize
this technology. Please contact
NASA's Licensing Concierge at Agency-PatentLicensing@mail.nasa.gov
or call at 202-3587432
to initiate licensing discussions. For more
information visit: https://technology.nasa.gov/
patent/MSC-TOPS-42.
A Smartwatch-Based System Detects Heat Strain
The device continuously estimates a person's core body temperature to determine their risk
level for heat strain.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA
A
new device from Lincoln Laboratory
can now alert trainees when they are
heading toward injury. The device continuously
estimates a person's core body temperature
to determine their risk level for
heat strain as they train. This risk is communicated
on a smartwatch display, providing
early warning to its wearer.
The system is made up of a few components.
First, an armband sensor measures
the trainee's heart rate. Those heart rate
data are sent via Bluetooth to a smartwatch.
Installed on the watch, a Laboratory-developed
app runs an algorithm that
uses the data to estimate core body temperature.
Depending on those results, the
smartwatch will display a visual icon (a stop
sign, danger sign, or thumbs up) with a
colored background (red, yellow, or
green) and emit an audible tone to alert
users if they are overheating.
Tech Briefs, June 2022
James Balcius tests the heat strain detection device. The smartwatch displays a thumbs up and
green background, indicating that he is not at risk of heat injury at this time. (Image: MIT)
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Tech Briefs Magazine - June 2022

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