FEATURE MEDICAL, MILITARY & INDUSTRIAL ELECTRONICS


In space, no one can see tech shrink The miniaturisation of medical devices is crucial for space exploration


Words by Susana B Zanello, research and development manager, Imec F


rontiers are defined by the reach of a dream, a goal, and by the


resources, capabilities and challenges of a pursuit. For the third time, human space exploration is undergoing a leap to further man’s reach into the universe. Stepping on the Moon fifty years ago, sustaining presence in low-Earth orbit for decade: both are now proceeded by a renewed interest in deep space, for which re-establishing presence on the Moon surface and cis-lunar orbit will be the stepping stone for humans to venture onto farther destinations like Mars. To ensure that men and women can endure the rigors of long duration space travel and the colonisation of planets, it is paramount that a reliable medical support system is developed, one that is portable and allows for a more autonomous and personalised practice of medicine, where medical decision- making will restrict its reliance on ground support from Earth. This includes medical devices, pharmaceuticals and diagnostics. Materials to be deployed to space must be of minimal volume, mass and must require minimum power to operate. Nano-electronics will be key in


require minimum power to operate. Nano-electronics will be key in providing solutions to thisproviding solutions t


challenge, since miniaturised core components are a limiting factor in the size


limiting factor in the size of hardware overall. Imec, a research and innovation


hub in nanoelectronics and digital technologies, has stepped up to this challenge with its research and development Space Health group. In October 2019, Imec USA received NASA funding to test a technology for monitoring astronauts’ health status under zero gravity conditions, using a disposable diagnostic device developed by Imec’s spin-off, miDiagnostics. Imec will design test parameters and perform experiments in different gravity scenarios using one of miDiagnostics’ devices, a new generation of disposable tests that require only drops of blood and allow for the detection of cells, proteins, nucleic acids, and/or small molecules.


remote areas.


The core component that the device is built around is a silicon-based nanofluidic processor that performs a series of blood sample manipulations, yielding a cell blood count with a fast turnaround time and without the need of pumps or valves. There is no need for complex and costly instrumentation, enabling medical decisions to be taken at the point of need or remote areas.


This type of proximal patient diagnostic platform, based on a


his type of proximal


patient diagnostic platform, based on a nanofluidic processor embedded in a single- use, low-cost


use, low-cost test card, is theest card, is t kind of device that is sought


hat is sought


for deployment in remote locations on Earth, to improve


for deployment in remote locations on Earth, to improve global health.


Imec Imec www.imec-int.com www.imec-int.com


The driving force to develop portable diagnostics for Earth is what enables applications in other extreme environments like space and planetary surfaces. Reciprocally, it is not uncommon that solutions brought about specifically for space environments reflectively lead to technologies of ample use on Earth, benefitting global health. miDiagnostics’ device should 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 in a succession of ascending and descending flight parabolas. This deliberately


designed environment will allow for the demonstration 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. This technology demonstration,


The expanse welcomes the small - medical miniaturisation looks to simplify and help those to survive in space, as we reach for Mars and further still


activity, in Earth orbit, cis-lunar


facilitated by the Flight Opportunities programme, aims to address NASA’s need for technologies that support human exploration and further commercial activity, in Earth orbit, cis-lunar


space and beyond. In a time when the infrastructure for the space industry for the upcoming decades is being created, nanoelectronics is set to expand its role with more options and solutions for


space and beyond. In a time when the infrastructure for the space industry for the upcoming decades is being created, nanoelectronics is set to expand its role with more options and solutions for applications, ranging from engineering to medicine, and beyond the borders of the atmosphere into the unknown.


medicine, and beyond the borders of the atmosphere into the unknown.


30 FEBRUARY 2020 | ELECTRONICS


/ ELECTRONICS


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