Remote Biomarker Measurements in Microphysiological Systems Grant

The Remote Biomarker Measurements in Microphysiological Systems Grant seeks innovative proposals to enhance remote biomarker analysis technologies for microphysiological systems, crucial for deep space missions. It prioritizes non-invasive, adaptable methods that allow for continuous monitoring of biomarkers without sample return. This initiative aims to advance personalized healthcare and biological research, addressing astronaut health in challenging environments. Eligible entities include U.S. institutions and collaborations with foreign entities under specific conditions.

Remote Biomarker Measurements in Microphysiological Systems Grant
TRISH is seeking proposals to advance remote biomarker analysis capabilities in microphysiological systems (MPS), also known as tissue chips, for space exploration. This solicitation aims to support innovative solutions to improve in-situ measurement technologies for use during future deep space missions, where traditional sample return back to Earth may not be feasible.
Proposals will focus on technologies capable of analyzing a wide range of biomarkers, bioindicators or biosignatures without requiring sample return. TRISH is prioritizing methods that are non-invasive, that do not destroy the sample, and allow for data collection over multiple timepoints separated by days or weeks. Such systems should be adaptable and not restricted to specific laboratory setups. In addition to biomarkers, proposers may address environmental factors, cell function, and tissue health in advanced biological constructs.
By advancing tissue chip technology, TRISH aims for a new way to gather personalized astronaut data without needing a human to tend the samples.
Microphysiological systems (MPS) have the potential not only to:

• define new countermeasures improve personalized healthcare but also to explore biological effects in new environments.

Currently, most MPS studies conducted in space have primarily relied on post-flight analysis. Future exploration class missions beyond Low Earth Orbit (LEO) are unlikely to provide a fully capable wet lab environment nor be able to easily transport samples back to the ground, so new methods are needed to measure biomarkers to support research and advance human health in space. To enable biological research for these exploration class missions, advancements in current technologies are needed to support in-situ analysis and monitoring capabilities during missions and for precision health in preparation for future missions. This solicitation focuses on improving analysis capabilities for research advancements in biomarker, bioindicator, or biosignature measurement capabilities within or connected to an MPS that could be done during space flight and do not require sample return.

Eligibility

All categories of United States (U.S.) institutions and companies are eligible to submit proposals. Principal Investigators (PIs) may collaborate with universities, the private sector, and federal, state, and local government laboratories. In all such arrangements, the applying entity is expected to be responsible for administering the project according to the management approach presented in the proposal.TRISH welcomes proposals from outside the U.S. Therefore, unless otherwise noted in the solicitation, proposals from foreign entities should not include a cost plan unless the proposal involves collaboration with a U.S. institution, in which case a cost plan for only the participation of the U.S. entity must be included.

Ineligibility

Foreign entities are generally not eligible for funding from TRISH. TRISH funding may not be used to support research efforts by non-U.S. organizations at any level.