Date: 04/11/2025
About this Forum:
The study of microbiology in space is important for fundamental space biology and astrobiology applications. Understanding the effects of microgravity and space’s ionizing radiation on biological organisms is critical for human exploration of space. Several CubeSats missions such as BioSentinel, SporeSat, O/OREOS1,2, have included microfluidic cartridges to research cell and organism growth and metabolism in space. Similar versions of these systems have also flown aboard the International Space Station (ISS) for life science research experiments. Microfluidic cartridges with compact and integrated instrumentation enable fully automated systems for storage of micro-organisms (i.e. cells, algae, spores, etc), automatic sample preparation, handling of reagents, and growth monitoring.
Wainamics presents a next generation microfluidic biospecimen system that allows for simple sample loading, continuous perfusion, and monitoring of specimen growth. The disposable cartridge is capable of being configured and loaded on the ISS, or on Earth, with wide accessibility and ease of use for academic research laboratories.
During the presentation, we will discuss the design and test results of this system, as well as advantages and challenges associated with microfluidic system development for space applications.
The Rodgers RLE Forum is a time to appreciate and learn from examples of impactful engineering. The laboratory hosts these opportunities for engagement in support of its mission to serve as a cutting-edge hub for advancing and sharing knowledge and best practices in high-performance prototyping.
About the presenters:
Dr. Ming Tan is the CEO and Founder of Wainamics, an engineering service company providing proven expertise in high complexity microfluidic cartridge design to life science and diagnostics companies. Dr. Tan started her career in research, design and product development, working with government agencies and startups on life science tools and in vitro diagnostic devices, including Sandia National Labs, BioRad, BD, Zyomyx, Wafergen (acquired by Takara Bio), Genia (acquired by Roche).
Realizing that to advance microfluidic projects, many early stage technology developers needed ready access to deep knowledge in chemistry, materials and microfluidics engineering, Dr. Tan started Wainamics in 2014. Wainamics has developed multiple products working with Fortune 500 companies, start-ups, NASA, and academic spin offs. Dr. Tan holds a Ph.D. in Chemistry from California Institute of Technology.
Wainamics is a service company that partners with life science and diagnostics companies to provide proven expertise in microfluidic design and product development. By leveraging our deep knowledge and broad experience in microfluidic engineering, complex bioassay integration, and instrument architecture, we rapidly transform technology to smart, manufacturing-ready products, reducing risks and development costs.