Innovative fluidics for space research – BIBUS AG as the link between science and technology
How can twelve cell experiments be carried out in a 10x10x10 cm CubeSat? Together with memetis, we have developed a compact fluidics solution that advances research in space – and opens up new perspectives for medical technology.
From space to the laboratory: microfluidics as a key technology for medical technology
The SAGE (Swiss Artificial Gravity Experiment) project of the Academic Space Initiative Switzerland (ARIS) has an ambitious goal: to launch a 3U CubeSat into space to study the ageing of human cells under space conditions. The technical challenge: automated fluid handling in an extremely confined space – only 1U (10x10x10 cm) and a maximum weight of 2 kg were available.
This is where the expertise of BIBUS AG's Life Science Division came into play. As an interface between research and industry, we translated ARIS's requirements into concrete technical specifications, developed the fluid diagram and coordinated the implementation together with our partner memetis. The result: a miniature valve block with 24 microvalves based on innovative shape memory actuators, which enables fully automatic control of reagent supply and removal.
This technology is not only a milestone for space research, but also offers enormous potential for medical technology – for example, in microfluidics for diagnostics or in biomedical applications where maximum precision and miniaturisation are required.
👉 Visit us at stand C2071 in Hall 2 at Medtech Expo 2025 in Lucerne and find out more about how we, as a project partner, are driving innovation in fluid, medical technology and life sciences.
