The microSTASIS (Microbial Systems to Improve Survival in Extreme Environments) project preserves microbial samples without the need for refrigeration/cooling by integrating innovations in microfluidics, biomaterials, protein engineering, and synthetic biology. The aim is to develop new methods for
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Microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi in the environment can be harmful or beneficial to humans. Clinical testing is required to differentiate between these possibilities.
The process begins by transporting a viable microbial sample to the laboratory. However, keeping microorganisms alive during transportation poses some significant challenges. For example, microbial viability is particularly at risk when transporting samples from remote locations with extreme environments such as arctic tundra, deserts, and rainforests.
The microSTASIS (Microbial Systems for Improving Survival in Extreme Environments) project, led by Dr. Alam Han, eliminates the need for refrigeration by integrating innovations in microfluidics, biomaterials, protein engineering, and synthetic biology. The aim is to develop new ways to preserve microbial samples. . To accomplish this goal, Texas A&M University researchers have been selected to run the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) AMPHORA program. DARPA’s Assured Microbial Preservation in Harsh and Remote Areas (AMPHORA) program will sponsor the microSTASIS project through a contract of up to three years and $12.9 million.
powerful possibility
The project has many applications, including the potential to significantly improve the way we monitor diseases, known as biosurveillance. “Global biosurveillance is a critical aspect of protecting warfighters currently deployed to a wide range of infectious disease hotspots,” said Han, a Presidential Impact Fellow and professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. he said. “It starts with knowing what’s out there, what can be done, and what might emerge by taking the sample back to a laboratory where it can be properly analyzed.”
In addition to protecting soldiers in combat zones, this research can also be used to protect civilians. The COVID-19 pandemic has shown that a lack of knowledge about microorganisms can make them more dangerous. The availability of new preservation methods for transporting microorganisms allows researchers to better understand the risks of the microorganisms present and how to prevent large-scale outbreaks.
“I am very excited to work on this forward-looking, visionary, and impactful DARPA AMPHORA program led by Dr. Tiffany Presto. Successful development will advance how the United States implements biosurveillance around the world. It has a direct and immediate impact on how people are doing.” Mr. Han. “We are also very excited to have the opportunity to collaborate with world-class leaders in the field on this interdisciplinary project.”
collaborator
Also working on this interdisciplinary project in the School of Engineering are Dr. Daniel Alge, from the Department of Biomedical Engineering, an expert in biomaterials, and Dr. Chin Sun, from the Artie McFerrin Department of Chemical Engineering, an expert in protein engineering. Masu. The project also includes Dr. Won-Bo Shim from Texas A&M AgriLife, an expert in fungal biology. The project also works closely with Dr. Paul de Figueiredo, NextGen Precision Health endowed professor at the University of Missouri and an expert in infectious diseases and host-pathogen interactions. Other external collaborators include world-class virologists Dr. Mark Ensley and Dr. Scott Weaver from the University of Texas Medical Branch and Galveston National Laboratory, and Dr. Luis Martinez Sobrido from the Texas Biomedical Research Institute .
