Nano-electronics and digital technology research and innovation hub imec has received NASA funding to test technology for monitoring astronauts’ health status under zero gravity conditions using a disposable diagnostic develop by imec spin-off, miDiagnostics.
Imec will design test parameters and perform experiments in different gravity scenarios using one of miDiagnostics’ devices that is built around a silicon-based nanofluidic processor that performs a series of blood sample manipulations yielding a cell blood count with fast turnaround time.
Susana B Zanello, research and development manager at imec’s design centre in Kissimmee, Florida, said: “Human exploration into deep space requires the development of medical devices and diagnostics of small mass, volume and power requirements, designed for a more autonomous practice of medicine.
“This technology demonstration, facilitated by the Flight Opportunities program, aims to address NASA’s need for technologies that support human exploration and further commercial activity both in Earth orbit and in cislunar space and beyond.”
miDiagnostics is developing a near-patient diagnostic platform, based on a nanofluidic processor embedded in a single-use, low-cost, test card.
It has developed a research prototype that can perform a complete cell blood count (CBC). In other configurations, the same platform will enable point-of-need diagnostics for a suite of cellular, biochemical and molecular tests.
Peter Peumans, VP life sciences technologies at imec and CTO of miDiagnostics, said: “The device is currently in development for standard earth-based conditions. But it should also function in gravity-independent environments, as it relies solely on capillary forces.”
Imec will test the device in parabolic flight, which offers different gravitational loads. This specific environment will allow testing of the functionality of the nanofluidic system and its independence from gravity—from sample capture at the inlet port to its migration within the nanofluidic channel network.
Veerle Reumers, research and development manager at imec’s design centre, said: “While the macroscopic part of this process is relatively straightforward to assess, imec intends to look inside the device to validate the correct sequence of events and the correct functioning of the subcomponents, as well as its robustness.”
Nicolas Vergauwe, CEO of miDiagnostics, added: “We are very excited that our technology has been selected by imec to demonstrate its operation during parabolic flights, and is a good example of how imec and miDiagnostics are working together to bring diagnostics to the most remote places.”
