[Bio-Mixtuire]
Biological sample Mixture Device

RESEARCH OVERVIEW

• The Biological sample MiXture device (BMX or Bio-mixture) is a system that can be used under microgravity conditions for biological materials research aboard the International Space Station. Two solutions in a closed system are mixed aboard the space station using this device.
• Bio-mixture is expected to help improve methodologies for different areas of life science research in the microgravity environment of space.

DESCRIPTION

The Biological sample MiXture device (BMX or Bio-mixture) is developed by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) for biological materials research. This device is capable of mixing two different solutions that are contained in a closed system. Bio-mixture is the onboard technical demonstration of the device.

SPACE APPLICATIONS

The device can be used in various biological experiments that require the mixing of different solutions under microgravity solutions.

EARTH APPLICATIONS

Results from this investigation could help researchers conducting biological materials research in laboratories on Earth.

OPERATIONAL REQUIREMENTS AND PROTOCOLS

Connect the Bio-mixture interface to the syringe that contains solution A. Connect the solution A syringe interface to the tube that contains solution B. Inject solution A in the syringe into tube containing solution B. And finally, mix the two solutions, A and B, in the tube until well mixed.

During the on-orbit investigation, real-time video is downlinked to monitor the operation and device status. No samples are returned to Earth and all of items are discarded after the investigation is performed.

JAXA