NASA STTR 2020-II Solicitation

Proposal Summary

Proposal Information

Proposal Number:
20-2- T6.06-4928
Phase 1 Contract #:
80NSSC20C0318
Subtopic Title:
Spacecraft Water Sustainability through Nanotechnology
Proposal Title:
Nanomaterials Based In-Line Sensor for Ionic Silver in Spacecraft Potable Water Systems
SMALL BUSINESS CONCERN (SBC):
Innosense, LLC
2531 West 237th Street, Suite 127
Torrance, CA  90505 - 5245
Phone: (310) 530-2011
RESEARCH INSTITUTION (RI):
Yale University
150 Munson Street
New Haven, CT  06511 - 3572
Phone: (203) 785-4997

Principal Investigator (Name, E-mail, Mail Address, City/State/Zip, Phone)

Name:
Dr. Yifan Tang
E-mail:
yifan.tang-1@innosensellc.com
Address:
2531 West 237th Street, Suite 127, Torrance, CA 90505 - 5245
Phone:
(310) 530-2011

Business Official (Name, E-mail, Mail Address, City/State/Zip, Phone)

Name:
Kisholoy Goswami
E-mail:
kisholoy.goswami@innosense.us
Address:
2531 West 237th Street, Suite 127, Torrance, CA 90505 - 5245
Phone:
(310) 530-2011
Estimated Technology Readiness Level (TRL) :
Begin: 3
End: 6
Technical Abstract (Limit 2000 characters, approximately 200 words)

 

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is seeking technologies for the in‑line measurement of ionic silver (Ag+) in spacecraft potable water systems. Ionic silver is currently baselined as the biocide to replace iodine for microbial control with the goal of maintaining the water quality during human exploration missions. To address this need, InnoSense LLC (ISL) is developing an innovative nanomaterial-enabled Silver Monitor (SilMonTM) in collaboration with Yale University. SilMon is based on: (1) customized recognition molecules (RMs), (2) ISL’s patented microelectronic sensor platform, (3) an in-line sensor array design, and (4) artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled recognition algorithm. In Phase I, ISL developed a SilMon working model and demonstrated feasibility of achieving its performance targets. In Phase II, ISL will focus on optimization and scale-up of SilMon following fine-tuning of performance through rigorous testing. AI-enabled package design, and construction of a SilMon prototype for testing under simulated spacecraft potable water systems are also planned. At the end of Phase II, a compact prototype will be delivered to NASA for further evaluation.

 

Potential NASA Applications (Limit 1500 characters, approximately 150 words)

 

SilMon will: (1) Provide accurate and real-time Ag+ concentration monitoring; (2) Help optimize the microbial control in the water processor assembly (WPA) by providing feedback to maintain an adequate level of Ag+ in the water; and (3) Ensure the safety of potable water. Additionally, SilMon’s array design and the versatility of sensing chemistry will allow it to target additional analytes with simple modifications. This will further enhance the monitoring capability for potable water quality control and ensure crew safety.

 

 

Potential Non-NASA Applications (Limit 1500 characters, approximately 150 words)

 

SilMon will have significant commercial applications in the food industry, water and environmental monitoring, and water purification systems. SilMon can be further modified with recognition molecules targeting other ionic or organic species for broader water or environmental monitoring purpose.

Duration: 24
Form Generated on 01/12/2022 20:58:26