Liquid Handling in Space

with a memetis microvalve array solution
memetis multi-port microvalve system for liquid flow control in microgravity experiments

The development of the memetis 24-microvalve array system for automated liquid flow control started with an ambitious research project aiming to perform drug–cell interaction experiments in space.

In microgravity, cells age faster and develop 3D structures more easily compared to under Earth's gravity. This makes microgravity advantageous for organoid and spheroid development, as well as for studying aging-related conditions. 

To utilize these biological advantages for space-based experiments, an automated and highly compact liquid handling solution was needed. 

Multi-Channel Liquid Control with One Module

memetis 24-microvalve array integrated module with the custom-designed multi-port fluidic manifold

The challenge of our customer was to enable 12 parallel experiments with automated flow control inside a 1U CubeSat (10 cm cube) with no more weight than 2 kg in total.

Requirements for the liquid control module were:

  • 24 active microvalves for managing reagent preparation, supply and removal
  • 75×25 mm² footprint (microscopy slide format)
  • as lightweight as possible
microfluidic channel schematic, the multi-actuator module and the multi-port fluidic manifold module design drawing

The solution by memetis was a multi-actuator module with integrated electronic control that interfaces a  dense on-chip valve array embedded in a custom-designed fluidic manifold with Mini Luer ports.

This integrated subsystem enables fully automated fluid flow control for reagent mixing, supply and removal for the 12 parallel experiments.

See It in Action!

video thumbnail for the mini & mighty 24-channel microvalve system for advanced liquid handling

While the project is ongoing preparations for its space flight, memetis created a demonstrator that shows the core functionality of the integrated multi-valve system.

The demonstrator performs multiplexed active liquid handling without any interventions from scientists or astronauts.

The demo system consists of the memetis 24-microvalve solution, a liquid pump from Bartels and 14 liquid reservoirs. Two 10 ml syringes on the sides serve as source and collection containers for 12 smaller 1 ml syringes arranged in the middle. 

watch the demo in action


Link to the multi-valve system demo video

Custom Configuration Possibilities


The microvalve array solutions by memetis have a layered design that is well suited for customer-specific adaptations and allows implementing custom fluidic schematics. Each of the integration interfaces can be adapted, same as the manifold design and number of microvalves:

side view of the multi-port multi-valve module with custom-designed electronic, actuation and valving, and fluidic manifold layers
Electronic Control Connection4-wire interface (I2C), USB, other
Microvalve Number in an ArrayStandardized components available for multiples of 8, otherwise 3 mm pitch for any number
Fluidic ConnectionsMini Luer, Luer, threaded adapters like IDEX, flat-mount interfaces, other
Fluidic Channel ArchitectureCustom-designed fluidic manifold

Article published June 17, 2025

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