SOLID3

HOW IT WORKS, HOW YOU WILL EXPLAIN TO JUDGES

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/258675756_The_SOLID3_Sig
ns_of_LIfe_Detector''_Instrument_An_Antibody_MicroarrayBased_Biosensor_for_Planetary_Exploration

WHAT IS THE SOLID3?

It is a Signs of Life Detector comprised of two units:
Sample Preparation Unit (SPU)

Gathers sample from extraterrestrial land

10 extraction chambers
Loaded with powdered samples and generates a liquid extract through ultrasonication (using sound
energy to agitate particles) with the sample
The liquid extract is then sent to the Sample Analysis Unit

Sample Analysis Unit (SAU)

Performs Fluorescence Sandwich Immunoassays on liquid extract (identification of analytes with high
molecular weight and epitopic molecules)

Antibodies are stuck on a glass plate

Sample is captured by antbodies on the glass plate
Detecting fluorescent antibody is added on top of sample (hence, its sandwiched)
Fluorescence of electrochemical is used by lasers and optics unit to analyze sample to determine presence and
quantity of antigens

Performs Competitive Immunoassays (identification of analytes with small molecular weight)

Sample is bound with antibodies

Amount left over after the bounding is washed away the bounded part is then measured and analyzed

SAU Information
Glass slides are used in the SAU (0.3 x 2.6 cm each)
There are 10 arrays in the SAU
Each array has 1,008 reactive spots with different antibodies
Thats 10,080 different tests on the liquid methane!
Additional reactive spots are in the SAU for replication of results

Information that must be considered!

You need a heater to get it to work
The antibodies are only 80% effective after 4 years so functional
requirements must include:
Mission must get to Titan in 3-4 years
To make sure that they maintain 80% effectiveness, payload must be in
controlled environment with radiation shield and in a craft that doesnt get
too cold on the way to Titan (otherwise, antibodies will only be effective for 2
years)

Pictures