Ground-Based Results on the Development of a Microfluidics-Based Small Satellite to Examine the Effects of Microgravity on Candida albicans and Candida glabrata.

Paper number

IAC-15,A1,8,5,x27437

Author

Mr. Jeffrey R. Osborne, University of Toronto Institute for Aerospace Studies, Canada

Coauthor

Ms. Karen Morenz, University of Toronto, Canada

Coauthor

Mr. Alejandro Duque, University of Toronto, Canada

Coauthor

Mr. Priyank Purohit, University of Toronto, Canada

Coauthor

Ms. Brenna Koehler, University of Toronto, Canada

Coauthor

Ms. Lena Faust, University of Toronto, Canada

Coauthor

Mr. Stephen Lau, Canada

Coauthor

Ms. Katie Gwozdecky, Canada

Coauthor

Mr. Ben Makarchuk, Canada

Coauthor

Mr. Tareq Deaibes, Canada

Year

2015

Abstract

A fundamental understanding on the degenerate health effects of long-duration space travel on humans remains elusive. The microgravity environment of space have profound impacts on human health, both in terms of human immune response, as well as  behaviour of human pathogens.
 
The University of Toronto Aerospace Team (UTAT) Division of Space Systems is participating in the Canadian Satellite Design Challenge (CSDC). As part of this, UTAT is developing a unique platform for in-space astrobiology research using the CubeSat standard. The objective for this research is to examine the effect of microgravity on the gene expression of various pathogenicity related genes, and minimum inhibitory concentration of various drugs for C. albicans and C. glabrata, two opportunistic fungal pathogens which are a natural component of human gut flora.  

This paper will discuss the ground-based work that has been accomplished in developing this platform. This will include the design for a high-data-throughput microfluidics-based payload for in-space astrobiology research, as well as a novel means of placing C. albicans and C. glabrata in no-power, long-duration stasis.

Abstract document

IAC-15,A1,8,5,x27437.brief.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-15,A1,8,5,x27437.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

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