In this STTR program, Nikira Labs Inc. and Colorado State University (CSU) will collaborate to develop an analyzer that measures oxygen (O2), carbon dioxide (CO2), oxygen isotope (d18O-O2), carbon isotope (d13C-CO2), and ethylene fluxes in plant chambers for direct quantification of photosynthesis, respiration, and plant health. In Phase I, Nikira Labs and CSU demonstrated technical feasibility by developing, testing, and deploying an analyzer for plant studies. The analyzer was found to measure [12CO2], [13CO2], [16O16O], and [18O16O] to better than ±3.5 ppm, ±0.85 ppm, ±400 ppm, and ±15 ppm (1 sigma, 30 s), sufficient to show photosynthesis and respiration. Moreover, the analyzer provided a linear response (R2 > 0.99) for all four isotopomers. The analyzer and was then deployed at CSU to study plants under a variety of conditions. Plants were measured under water, heat, and salinity stresses, showing changes in photosynthesis, respiration, and assimilation/respiratory quotients. Another set of plants were subject to 13C-doping under dark and light conditions, showing 13C fixing due to photosynthesis. Finally, the Phase I results were used to identify improvements for the Phase II instruments. In Phase II, Nikira Labs and CSU will incorporate the improvements to develop, test, deploy, and deliver 2 analyzers. The first analyzer will measure [12CO2], [13CO2], [16O16O], and [18O16O] with higher accuracy in a more compact form factor. The second unit will extend the technology to measure ethylene with ppb-level sensitivity. Both systems will be deployed at CSU and incorporated into a custom, controlled plant chamber for plant stress studies. Data analytics will be developed to identify abnormal behavior and signal initial signs of plant stress prior visual evidence. After extensive experimentation, both analyzers will be deployed at Kennedy Space Center into existing plant habitats. Finally, the analyzers will be delivered to NASA for further studies. Anticipated
Benefits: Growing plants in space has advantages in life support systems, including CO2 removal, O2 generation, and food production. Plants can be used for human colonies and provide fresh vegetables for shorter missions. NASA has found that plant growth in microgravity is impeded. To compensate for this, NASA must measure plant health and control system variables. The STTR instrument can study plants and provide early indications of stress. It can also be used in other NASA functions to evaluate bioreactors and human health. Nikira Labs is commercializing the technology for environmental research and semiconductor gas monitoring. Phase I innovations were incorporated into commercial instruments, yielding more than $200k in revenue. Within 5 years of the completion of the Phase II effort, we estimate commercial revenue of more than $20M from products resulting from this STTR effort.
