Proposal Number:          21-1- T6.06-1513

          

          

   

Subtopic Title:
      Enabling Spacecraft Water Monitoring through Nanotechnology

          

          

   

Proposal Title:
      Multi-Analyte Microfluidic Colorimetric Sensor for Inorganic Ions

          

          

   

Firm:

          

Lynntech, Inc.

          

   

Address:

          

2501 Earl Rudder Freeway South, College Station, TX 77845 - 6023

          

   

Phone:

          

(979) 764-2200                                                                                                                                                                                

          

   

Name:

          

Clemson University

          

   

Address:

          

230 Kappa Street Suite 200, SC 29634 - 5702

          

   

Phone:

          

(864) 656-8972                                                                                                                                                                                

          

   

Name:

          

Angelo Kirchon

          

   

E-mail:

          

Angelo.Kirchon@lynntech.com

          

   

Address:

          

2501 Earl Rudder Freeway South, TX 77845 - 6023

          

   

Phone:

          

(979) 764-2200                                                                                                                                                                                

          

   

Name:

          

Darla Hisaw

          

   

E-mail:

          

darla.hisaw@lynntech.com

          

   

Address:

          

2501 Earl Rudder Freeway South, TX 77845 - 6023

          

   

Phone:

          

(979) 764-2219                                                                                                                                                                                

          

   

Estimated Technology Readiness Level (TRL) :                                                                                                                                                          
Begin: 3
End: 4

          

          

     

Technical Abstract (Limit 2000 characters, approximately 200 words):

This proposal aims to support NASA needs expressed in 2020 NASA Technology Taxonomy, TX06 Human Health, Life Support, and Habitation Systems, to develop “Next-Generation Water Monitoring Systems with Nanotechnology”. The proposed STTR project aims to develop a nanoparticle based microfluidic colorimetric sensor for the detection and quantification of metal ions. The desired sensitivity, selectivity and stability of the device will be achieved through the combination of chemical selective and sensitive functionalized metal nanoparticles, paired with a novel in-situ formation of the functionalized nanoparticles onto microfluidic paper-based pads, as well as a simple and compact RGB colorimetric reader. Overall, the proposed technology will be a reliable, robust and compact microfluidic based colorimetric sensor that requires extremely small sample volumes, no sample prep, has fast measurement times (less than 5 min), is easy-to-use, and most importantly has the capability to measure metal ions currently of intertest to NASA (Ag, Zn, Mn, Pb, Hg, Ni). In addition, the proposed technology would be gravity agnostic due to the use of microfluidic channels.

          

          

     

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

The proposed microfluidic colorimetric sensor will provide an on-demand, easy-to-use measurement of metal ions for NASA’s water systems. The proposed technology would be applicable for both crewed missions beyond low-earth orbit as well as future habitation mission on both the moon and other celestial bodies (ex. Mars). The proposed technology is also relevant to the International Space Station, where it could be used in the short term, to support on-going research and testing in order to develop systems for monitoring water quality.

          

          

     

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

Non-NASA commercial applications of the proposed microfluidic colorimetric detection of metal ions includes the use in municipal water treatment plants and the residential and commercial market segments. This technology may also find applications in pharmaceutical, medical and electronic industries for quality monitoring of the metal-ion free water.

          

          

     

Duration:     13