Project Title:

Development of Real Time Optical Sensors for Maintaining Microbial Quality

Polestar Technologies, Inc.
7 Wells Avenue
Newton Centre, MA 02159

93-1  12.02 1083    __      AMOUNT REQUESTED $69,886

Development of Real Time Optical Sensors for Maintaining Microbial Quality

Abstract:

The proposed innovation is to apply unique optical fiber sensing
elements and optical transduction principles to the early detection
of microbial fouling. Critical to monitoring and maintaining the
quality of recycled waters and assessing the effectiveness of new
methods is the development of sensor instrumentation suitable for
in situ detection of microbial species. Such sensors, integrated
with a control and feedback loop, will allow appropriate action to
be taken before crew health, plant, or food quality can be
compromised. Polestar Technologies, and its subcontractor GEO-
CENTERS, INC., proposes a Phase I program to demonstrate the
feasibility of using proprietary sensing material, and fiber optic
sensor technology, for the early detection of biofilm formation.
This approach should provide not only the great sensitivity
associated with optical transduction, but also the capability to
monitor in situ, and in real time. This innovation, once developed,
should also be readily extended to identification of specific
microbial populations, biocompatibility studies of new materials,
and monitoring of air filtration systems as may be required
throughout NASA.

In a subsequent Phase II program a prototype Fiber Optic Biofilm
Monitor will be fabricated, tested, and delivered to Johnson Space
Center for evaluation in a water reclamation test bed.

Biofilm formation poses serious direct and indirect health risks
and results in great cost as a result of lost efficiency and the
manpower requirements to correct the effects. The basic sensor
technology, once developed, can be used to monitor water/air
conditioning systems, potable water supplies, waste management,
biofouling and microbial corrosion problems. Biofilms are desirable
in the emerging biotechnology industries where the sensors could be
used to improve process control.

biofilms, microbial quality, fiber optic sensors, optical sensing