Development of a New Detection Method Using Laser-Induced Fluorescence Capillary Electrophoresis for Future Studies Investigating Adenosine’s Role in Bone Metabolism

The primary objective of the proposed research is to develop a highly sensitive and robust detection method for adenosine, an important biological compound involved in several biochemical pathways such as bone metabolism and neuromodulation. The development of a new detection method would improve the current physiological understanding of adenosine and potentially advance current studies designed to reduce the negative impacts of space travel such a accelerated bone density and muscle loss.

NASA crewmembers on long duration missons can lose up to 1-2% of their overall bone mineral density and up to 1@ of their total lean muscle per month during space flight. These changes in bone and muscle health increase their risk of kidney stone formation during space travel and increase their risk of developing early onset osteoporosis after returning to earth.