Preparation of the Biochip experiment on the EXPOSE-R2 mission outside the International Space Station
Language
en
Article de revue
This item was published in
Advances in Space Research. 2013-12, vol. 52, n° 12, p. 2168-2179
Elsevier
English Abstract
Biochips might be suited for planetary exploration. Indeed, they present great potential for the search for biomarkers - molecules that are the sign of past or present life in space - thanks to their size (miniaturized ...Read more >
Biochips might be suited for planetary exploration. Indeed, they present great potential for the search for biomarkers - molecules that are the sign of past or present life in space - thanks to their size (miniaturized devices) and sensitivity. Their detection principle is based on the recognition of a target molecule by affinity receptors fixed on a solid surface. Consequently, one of the main concerns when developing such a system is the behavior of the biological receptors in a space environment. In this paper, we describe the preparation of an experiment planned to be part of the EXPOSE-R2 mission, which will be conducted on the EXPOSE-R facility, outside the International Space Station (ISS), in order to study the resistance of biochip models to space constraints (especially cosmic radiation and thermal cycling). This experiment overcomes the limits of ground tests which do not reproduce exactly the space parameters. Indeed, contrary to ground experiments where constraints are applied individually and in a limited time, the biochip models on the ISS will be exposed to cumulated constraints during several months. Finally, this ISS experiment is a necessary step towards planetary exploration as it will help assessing whether a biochip can be used for future exploration missions.Read less <
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