Analytical Chemistry · Molecular Diagnostics · Astrobiology

Sachindra Gamage, Ph.D.

Analytical tools for molecular detection—from precision medicine on Earth to the search for life beyond it.

I am an analytical chemist interested in developing and applying sensitive technologies for molecular detection in complex samples. My research spans biomedical diagnostics and astrobiology—two areas that share a fundamental analytical challenge: finding meaningful molecular signals within chemically and biologically complex environments.

I draw on micro- and nanofluidics, separation science, mass spectrometry, molecular sensing, and computational analysis to address these challenges. My current work in biosignature detection, omics, and bioinformatics is expanding this analytical toolkit, while my background in liquid biopsy and molecular diagnostics continues to shape my long-term interests in precision medicine and point-of-care technologies.

Abstract scientific illustration linking molecular analysis, analytical chemistry, and planetary science
01 · About

One analytical foundation, two frontiers.

My research has consistently centered on a common problem: how to isolate, detect, and interpret low-abundance molecular targets in complex samples. My early work applied this challenge to human health, where I developed micro- and nanofluidic technologies for analyzing cell-free DNA, exosomes, viruses, and other disease-associated biomarkers.

I later extended this analytical foundation to low-biomass and chemically challenging samples relevant to astrobiology, using technologies including capillary electrophoresis, mass spectrometry, microfluidics, and complementary molecular detection methods. My current research continues to build on these capabilities through biosignature analysis, CE-MS, metagenomics, metatranscriptomics, and bioinformatics.

I view biomedical molecular diagnostics and astrobiology as complementary applications of the same analytical principles. Sensitive separation, molecular capture, miniaturized instrumentation, and computational interpretation are valuable whether the goal is identifying clinically meaningful biomarkers for precision medicine or detecting potential signatures of life in complex planetary and terrestrial environments.

02 · Research Focus

Shared tools, different questions.

Molecular diagnostics & precision medicine

Developing sensitive approaches for detecting disease-associated molecular markers, including cell-free DNA, exosomes, and viral particles, with applications in liquid biopsy, early detection, and patient-specific assessment.

Biosignatures & life detection

Applying analytical chemistry to the detection and characterization of low-abundance molecular signatures in complex environmental and planetary-analog samples relevant to the search for life beyond Earth.

Separation science & mass spectrometry

Using capillary electrophoresis, mass spectrometry, and complementary analytical methods to separate, identify, and characterize challenging molecular targets across biomedical and astrobiology applications.

Micro- & nanofluidic systems

Designing miniaturized analytical platforms that integrate sample preparation, molecular capture, separation, and sensing toward portable and field-deployable molecular analysis.

Omics & bioinformatics

Expanding molecular analysis through metagenomics, metatranscriptomics, and bioinformatics to connect chemical measurements with biological information in complex samples.

Computational modeling & automation

Using computational analysis, simulation, and automated workflows to improve analytical-device design, molecular interpretation, and the performance of integrated detection platforms.

03 · Publications

Selected publications.

Analytical Technologies for Liquid Biopsy of Subcellular Materials

Annual Review of Analytical Chemistry

View publication ↗

View all publications on Google Scholar →

04 · Contact

Let’s connect.

Email Google Scholar ↗ LinkedIn ↗ GitHub ↗ ORCID ↗