Biophysical Physiological Carbon Dioxide Sensor

Researchers at Purdue University have developed a biophysical framework for differentiating between indirect microgravity effects and radiation exposure. Leveraging computational fluid dynamics (CFD), the model can detect and sense carbon dioxide-related respiratory exchange efficiencies and human thermal body plume (HTBP), subsequently offering remediation solutions for these respiratory conditions. This model significantly bolsters our understanding of the environmental and medical biophysics of gravity in human health and the role of the HTBP.

Technology Validation:

Results demonstrated that the microgravity environment limits BTC and leads to reduced airflow around the human body, impairing respiratory gas exchange in space. It was also found that HTBP was unable to drive respiratory exhalate away from the human face, resulting in an environmental breathing deadspace ("CO2bubble") right in front of the human head and leading to significant CO2 rebreathing.

Advantages:

-Improves understanding of gravity and mechanistic features of mass transfer

-Improves respiratory disease treatments and therapies

Applications:

-Respiratory exchange efficiency

-Human thermal body plume

-Medical biophysics

-Environmental biophysics

Publication: David Porterfield, Som Dutta, Dana Tulodziecki et al. Gravity and Human Respiration: Biophysical Limitations in Mass Transport and Exchange in Space, 05 April 2024, PREPRINT (Version 1) available at Research Square https://www.researchsquare.com/article/rs-4201542/v1

TRL: 4

Intellectual Property:

Keywords: microgravity effects, radiation exposure, biophysical framework, computational fluid dynamics, respiratory exchange efficiencies, human thermal body plume, HTBP, CO2 rebreathing, gravity and human health, respiratory disease treatments, Carbon Dioxide, CO2, Computer Technology, Education, human thermal body plume, respiratory exchange efficiency, Sensors