Microfluidic Eng. and Product Developer of BioAirWatch ICFO Launchpad initiative Spain/2021 – ongoing
- Conducted in-depth analysis of product competitiveness and market research for BioAirWatch, a microfluidic device for real-time and on-site monitoring of air quality (bioaerosol), Identification of product requirement definitions and KPI
- Prepared a comprehensive pitch deck for BioAirWatch, showcasing its potential impact on the market and its competitors.
- Designed, built, and tested a microfluidic sensor prototype (LOD: about 500 cfu/mL) to detect TBC (tuberculosis) for the portable BioAirWatch device as part of the ICFO Launchpad initiative.
PostDoctoral Researcher[1] ICFO/Barcelona Spain/2019-ongoing
- Led a team of 6 researchers in the development and testing of an In Vitro Diagnostic (IVD) biomedical device for SARS-CoV-2 detection from saliva, achieving 91.2% sensitivity and 90% specificity, using agile methodologies.
- Co-led the development and validation (TRL3-TRL6) of a modular system for quality control of water matrices, demonstrating involvement in product validation and assessment (sensitivity of 93%, specificity of 60% and accuracy of 80%).
- Successfully translated a sensor for airborne monitoring into a market product, securing 150 K funding.
- Established a Fast-Lab for rapid prototyping of microfluidic devices within a short timeframe of 4 months, equipped with 3D printers, laser cutter, heated press, and UV curing lamp.
- Developed and implemented automated bio-staining protocols (e.g., immunoassays and Liquid-FISH) for monitoring bacteria and viruses.
- Prepared technical reports, project proposals, and patents, demonstrating the ability to draw up records and reports for conformity assessment.
Postgraduate Researcher Heriot Watt University/ Edinburgh UK/ 2016- 2019 Development of rapid prototyping and mass-scalable methods for the production of high quality environmentally sustainable microfluidic devices for point-of-care and organ-on-chip applications.
- Pioneered the creation of a green microfluidic consortium between major European manufacturers and universities, contributing to environmentally sustainable microfluidic device production.
- Successfully demonstrated the mass production of 300 microfluidic devices made of PLA, showcasing expertise in manufacturing and scaling methods.
- Developed rapid prototyping methods, including laser cutting, 3D printing, electrospinning, TIPS, and innovative surface functionalization, to manufacture microfluidic devices and membranes for blood-plasma separation.
[1] 2022- Ongaro et al., Engineering a sustainable future for point-of-care diagnostics and single-use microfluidic devices (LOC); 2022-Ongaro et al., A small form factor flow virometer for SARS-CoV-2 (BOE); 2020-Ongaro et al., Polylactic is a Sustainable, Low Absorption, Low Autofluorescence Alternative to Other Plastics for Microfluidic and Organon-Chip Applications. Anal. Chem; 2022- patent application: P34377EP0.
