DMLM III device development for enzymes biochemical reactions in microgravity

Abstract

The goal of this experiment was to investigate the invertase enzyme kinetics in microgravity to better understand the mechanism action inside and outside biological cells. To do this DMLM 111 device was developed, which is responsible for mixing liquids in microgravity. It consists of a mechanical part, with ten sets of reaction systems, and embedded electronics. Each reaction system consists of three chambers, for the enzyme, the substrate and the reaction inhibitor, and two valves to keep the liquids separated. When microgravity signal is triggered, enzyme and substrate are mixed to start the biochemical reaction. After five minutes the reaction is interrupted with the inhibitor. This experiment was embedded on a VSB-30 Brazilian sounding rocket, and payload remained in microgravity for approximately six minutes. Biochemical analyses of the samples are under way, and the results will be compared with the data obtained on earth, under similar conditions.