June 12, 2002 — Nanogen Inc. said it will work with NASA Ames Research Center to develop microarray-based devices for use in astrobiology and biomedicine.
As part of the deal, Nanogen has provided one of its NanoChip Molecular Biology Workstations to NASA in exchange for commercialization rights to intellectual property and assays developed by the space agency. NASA scientists will use Nanogen’s technology for gene analysis to monitor the health of astronauts and other personnel, according to a news release.
The partnership could lead to further commercialization of the technology by Nanogen, as well the development of biosensors by NASA’s Center for Nanotechnology.
The NanoChip allows computer-assisted DNA analysis on a microchip. Nanogen markets its NanoChip Molecular Biology Workstation to genomics laboratories and research facilities.