Patent — available for licensing
Self-Contained Device Isolates Biological Samples
A NASA invention available to explore as a licensing opportunity.
About this technology
Overview
JSC is looking to interested parties to license and commercialize this patented technology. Innovators at NASA's Johnson Space Center (JSC) developed a patented self-contained device for isolating deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), ribonucleic acid (RNA), proteins, and cells without using pipettes or centrifuges. Composed of reagents, functionalized membranes, and multi-way valves and pumps, this novel 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 leak-proof, so users are protected from chemically hazardous reagents. Developed to enable molecular diagnostics aboard the International Space Station (ISS), this easy-to-use analysis tool can be fully automated and programmed, extending laboratory isolation protocols to numerous applications in health care, forensics, and field biology.