A Small Device for Two-step Enzymatic Reactions in Space

Abstract

We have developed passive devices for conducting two-step enzyme reactions with a time lag. They are “n-paraffin separator device” and “osmotic timer device.” We evaluated the feasibility of these devices using two reactions, cellulose synthesis and cellulose decomposition, catalyzed by different enzymes. We have verified that the n-paraffin separator device works well for the cellulose synthesis in space and the osmotic pressure timer device releases the cellulase with a time lag. This paper further reports that the devices functioned autonomously and carried out the two-step enzyme reactions in the International Space Station.