Miniaturized Fluorescence Microscope for biological research in space

Kiira Tiensuu, Jussi Lehti, Jouni Saari, Tero Säntti, Pasi Virtanen, Mika Hirvonen, Lauri Pitkänen, Elena Tcarenkova, Elnaz Fazeli, Pekka Hänninen, Jack J. W. A. van Loon, François Gaubert

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

Understanding how the space environment affects biological systems has become important now that manned space exploration missions beyond the low Earth orbit are again in the roadmaps. The International Space Station, ISS, is an ideal site to study the effects of gravity on biological systems, not only because of the microgravity environment, but also because it has research facilities where a 1g reference environment and partial gravity environments of the Moon or Mars can be created with on-board centrifuges. A fluorescence microscope enabling in-situ research would be an advantageous instrument for research in this domain. Previously developed microscopes for space applications are bulky and cannot always provide different g levels. Mini Fluorescence Microscope (MFM) is an ESA project with objectives to assess the feasibility of developing and manufacturing the smallest possible fully integrated fluorescence microscope to perform live cell imaging in space and to build a breadboard model of the microscope to test and verify the concept. The purpose was also to investigate potential platforms and science applications for MFM. The MFM is primarily designed for KUBIK, a platform on the ISS that contains a centrifuge. However, the possibility of further developing the microscope to other platforms was considered throughout the development. The developed MFM breadboard model has dimensions of 82 mm x 42 mm x 32 mm. The design is based on a solid frame supporting subsystem modules, including optics, electronics, cell culture chamber and XY-table. The microscope has two fluorescence channels. Applications for miniaturized fluorescence microscope in space research are diverse and include topics related to both humans and microorganisms. In addition to KUBIK, potential platforms for MFM are the ICE Cubes and Biolab facilities on-board the ISS, CubeSats and rovers. A microscope on a CubeSat platform would not be restricted to only microgravity research but could advance the understanding of synergistic effects of microgravity and space radiation. Microscope on a rover platform would be a powerful tool in the search for extraterrestrial life.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationIAF Microgravity Sciences and Processes Symposium 2021 - Held at the 72nd International Astronautical Congress, IAC 2021
PublisherInternational Astronautical Federation, IAF
VolumeA2
ISBN (Electronic)9781713842958
Publication statusPublished - 2021
EventIAF Microgravity Sciences and Processes Symposium 2021 at the 72nd International Astronautical Congress, IAC 2021 - Dubai, Argentina
Duration: 25 Oct 202129 Oct 2021

Publication series

NameProceedings of the International Astronautical Congress, IAC

Conference

ConferenceIAF Microgravity Sciences and Processes Symposium 2021 at the 72nd International Astronautical Congress, IAC 2021
Country/TerritoryArgentina
CityDubai
Period25/10/202129/10/2021

Cite this