Lab-on-a-chip based systems have promised to be the biggest research revolution in fields ranging from medicine and biology, to chemistry and food science, and even to space. However, the promise has not delivered thus far, despite the fact that using these systems minimizes the use of costly reagents and allows for the exploration of phenomena not normally seen at the macro-scale. This lack of ubiquitous use of lab-on-chip stems from the fact that currently these systems are more of chip-in-a-lab, as this small chip using nano- and pico-liters of liquid is surround by full macroscale laboratory equipment – pumps, microscopes, etc. Through the building of the SpacePharma Microgravity Miniaturized Pump (SPuMP), we at SpacePharma seek to not only make systems truly lab-on-a-chip, but also revolution the use of lab-on-a-chip in space based research.
SPuMP is a miniaturized, non-pulsatile pump with on reservoir temperature control for use in extreme environments, such as the microgravity environment of space. Space based research is the next breakthrough in human research and technology. Research in space can benefit people on earth and can also help us understand the effects of long-term space travel. Some of the discoveries made in space based research have led to new medications and new vaccines.
SpacePharma wants SPuMP to lead the next generation of scientific discoveries in space, whether that be on the International Space Station or in a nano-satellite. SpacePharma wants SPuMP to give researchers access to new and exciting innovations and experiments, all while fitting in the tiniest foot print and using as little power as possible. SPuMP will have smooth flow and on reservoir temperature control.
