A fluorescence viewer for rapid molecular assay readout in space and low-resource terrestrial environments

Misquitta, Kristoff; Miller, Bess M.; Malecek, Kathryn; Gleason, Emily; Martin, Kathryn; Walesky, Chad M.; Foley, Kevin; Copeland, D. Scott; Saavedra, Ezequiel Alvarez; Kraves, Sebastian

doi:10.1101/2023.08.23.554556

Cited by 2 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 8 publications

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“…Then, we deploy this technology toward the quantitative detection of small-molecule and nucleic acid analytes using two classes of biosensors that produce fluorescent signals in response to binding to their corresponding analytes. All fluorescent signals produced through these experiments are directly monitored using the Genes in Space Fluorescence Viewer, a hand-held device for real-time visualization of fluorescence, and imaged with an iPad for the quantitative analysis of reaction kinetics (Figure B) …”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Validation of Cell-Free Protein Synthesis Aboard the International Space Station

Kocalar,

Miller,

Huang

et al. 2024

ACS Synth. Biol.

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Cell-free protein synthesis (CFPS) is a rapidly maturing in vitro gene expression platform that can be used to transcribe and translate nucleic acids at the point of need, enabling on-demand synthesis of peptide-based vaccines and biotherapeutics as well as the development of diagnostic tests for environmental contaminants and infectious agents. Unlike traditional cell-based systems, CFPS platforms do not require the maintenance of living cells and can be deployed with minimal equipment; therefore, they hold promise for applications in low-resource contexts, including spaceflight. Here, we evaluate the performance of the cell-free platform BioBits aboard the International Space Station by expressing RNA-based aptamers and fluorescent proteins that can serve as biological indicators. We validate two classes of biological sensors that detect either the small-molecule DFHBI or a specific RNA sequence. Upon detection of their respective analytes, both biological sensors produce fluorescent readouts that are visually confirmed using a hand-held fluorescence viewer and imaged for quantitative analysis. Our findings provide insights into the kinetics of cell-free transcription and translation in a microgravity environment and reveal that both biosensors perform robustly in space. Our findings lay the groundwork for portable, low-cost applications ranging from point-of-care health monitoring to on-demand detection of environmental hazards in low-resource communities both on Earth and beyond.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…All fluorescent signals produced through these experiments are directly monitored using the Genes in Space Fluorescence Viewer, a hand-held device for real-time visualization of fluorescence, and imaged with an iPad for the quantitative analysis of reaction kinetics ( Figure 1 B). 32 …”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Validation of Cell-Free Protein Synthesis Aboard the International Space Station

Kocalar,

Miller,

Huang

et al. 2024

ACS Synth. Biol.

Self Cite

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…Then, we deploy this technology towards the quantitative detection of small molecule and nucleic acid analytes using two classes of biosensors that produce fluorescent signals in response to binding to their corresponding analyte. All fluorescent signals produced through these experiments are directly monitored using the Genes in Space Fluorescence Viewer, a handheld device for real-time visualization of fluorescence, and imaged with an iPad for quantitative analysis of reaction kinetics [ Figure 1B ] (29).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Validation of cell-free protein synthesis aboard the International Space Station

Kocalar,

Miller,

Huang

et al. 2023

Preprint

Self Cite

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Cell-free protein synthesis (CFPS) is a rapidly maturingin vitrogene expression platform that can be used to transcribe and translate nucleic acids at the point of need, enabling on-demand synthesis of peptide-based vaccines and biotherapeutics, as well as the development of diagnostic tests for environmental contaminants and infectious agents. Unlike traditional cell-based systems, CFPS platforms do not require the maintenance of living cells and can be deployed with minimal equipment; therefore, they hold promise for applications in low-resource contexts, including spaceflight. Here we evaluate the performance of cell-free BioBits® platform aboard the International Space Station by expressing RNA-based aptamers and fluorescent proteins that can serve as biological indicators. We validate two classes of biological sensors that detect either the small molecule DFHBI or a specific RNA sequence. Upon detection of their respective analytes, both biological sensors produce fluorescent readouts that are visually confirmed using a handheld fluorescence viewer and imaged for quantitative analysis. Our findings provide insight into the kinetics of cell-free transcription and translation in a microgravity environment and reveal that both biosensors perform robustly in space. Our findings lay the groundwork for portable, low-cost applications ranging from point-of-care health monitoring to on-demand detection of environmental hazards in low-resource communities both on Earth and beyond.Visual graphic

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A fluorescence viewer for rapid molecular assay readout in space and low-resource terrestrial environments

Cited by 2 publications

References 8 publications

Validation of Cell-Free Protein Synthesis Aboard the International Space Station

Validation of Cell-Free Protein Synthesis Aboard the International Space Station

Validation of cell-free protein synthesis aboard the International Space Station

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