The Translational Research Institute for Space Health (TRISH) at Baylor College of Medicine's Center for Space Medicine, in collaboration with the California Institute of Technology and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, is inviting proposals to enhance remote biomarker analysis technologies. These advancements are aimed at microphysiological systems (MPS), also known as tissue chips, which are crucial for space exploration.
This initiative seeks innovative methods to improve measurement technologies used during future deep space missions, where returning samples to Earth might not be possible. Dr. Rihana Bokhari, TRISH acting chief scientific officer and assistant professor at Baylor, emphasized the importance of this advancement: "Advancing remote biomarker analysis is essential for supporting astronaut health on deep space missions." She added that traveling beyond low Earth orbit (LEO) exposes astronauts to different radiation levels than those experienced on the International Space Station.
Dr. Bokhari further explained that these tools could help scientists understand the biological effects of spaceflight beyond LEO before humans embark on longer missions to the moon and beyond.
This call for proposals is part of TRISH's SENTINEL program (Science ENterprise to INform Exploration Limits). The goal is to advance MPS platforms to collect personalized astronaut data without requiring human intervention in sample handling.
The focus will be on technologies capable of analyzing a variety of biomarkers without needing sample return. TRISH prioritizes non-invasive methods that preserve samples and allow data collection over multiple timepoints separated by days or weeks. These systems should be versatile and not confined to specific laboratory settings. Proposals may also consider environmental factors, cell function, and tissue health in advanced biological constructs.
Proposals can be submitted via TRISH’s GRID submission site until March 6, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. ET. A pre-proposal webinar is scheduled for January 13 at 2 p.m. ET for interested parties.
Supported by NASA's Human Research Program, TRISH promotes disruptive research to address health challenges associated with deep space exploration. The institute operates under a cooperative agreement with NASA through Baylor College of Medicine and includes partners Caltech and MIT.
