Next Generation LOCAD-PTS Cartridge Development

Future astrobiology exploration missions will require rapid, point-of-use techniques for surface science experiments and contamination monitoring. The Lab-On-a-Chip Application Development (LOCAD) team is developing operational instruments that advance spaceflight technologies to molecular-based methods. Currently, LOCAD-Portable Test System (PTS) is quantifying levels of the bacterial molecule endotoxin onboard the Internatioal Space Station. Future research and development will focus on more sensitive molecular techniques that expand the number of compounds detected to include beta-glucan from fungal cell walls

The structure of porin from Rhodobacter capsulatus at 0.6 nm resolution

AbstractThe crystal electron density map of porin from Rhodobacter capsulatus 37b4 at 0.6 nm resolution shows that the trimeric molecule consists of 3 merged cylinders as the central part, plus 3 laterally radiating domains. The density shows no prominent α-helices and is consistent with β-pleated sheet structure. The trimer density was dissected into monomers. Three separate pores per trimer with sizes that agree with the exclusion limit of permeating molecules could be identified. The cross-section of the central part as well as the pore distance agree with prior electron microscopy data on other porins.Porin; Membrane protein structure; X-ray structure; (Rhodobacter capsulatus