P.R.I.T. ExpoCube: Deposition-quantified ALI inhalation assays for Primes, ECLSS, Filters/Materials, Sensor/QC & Agencies

Fraunhofer ITEM’s PRIT ExpoCube delivers physiologically realistic air–liquid interface (ALI) exposures for aerosols and gases with quantified deposition at the cell surface (µg/cm²). We provide QC-verified dose–response curves and ELN/LIMS-ready data packages to de-risk space habitats, ECLSS, filters/materials, and to support agency research & standardisation.

Focus areas:

• Primes (system integrators): Decision-grade evidence for materials qualification and cabin-air risk - off-gassing VOC mixes, regolith dust, co-exposures under cabin-like O₂/CO₂/RH/temperature.

• ECLSS teams: Filter breakthrough before/after with biological effect correlation; datasets for Go/No-Go in air revitalisation and contaminant control.

• Filters/Materials suppliers: Benchmark HEPA/ULPA/adsorbers, membranes, nonwovens and material off-gassing using deposition-linked biological endpoints.

• Sensor/QC providers: Integrate CO₂/O₂/RH/temp/flow/particles telemetry; provide calibration certificates and APIs for traceable QC in reports.

• Agencies/Research (ESA/DLR etc.): Ground-based panels for validation/ring trials, methods dossiers and datasets suitable for guidelines and calls.

Use cases (examples):

1. Cabin air / off-gassing: VOC mixtures, disinfectant mist, Li-ion smoke events → irritation/inflammation, ciliary function.

2. Planetary dust: lunar/martian regolith simulants (0.5–10 µm) → oxidative stress, barrier effects, pro-fibrotic markers.

3. Filter performance: HEPA/ULPA/adsorbers—before/after comparison with Deposition → Effect curves.

4. Co-exposures: mild hypercapnia/hypoxia + particulate; dry RH profiles.

Pilots delivered in 2–6 weeks depending on model/readouts. We propose a short scoping call to align acceptance criteria.