AI-driven process analytical technology for real-time monitoring of iPSC aggregate growth in bioreactors

Project partners: Rosalind Franklin Institute & Sterling Bio Machines

Project focus area: The development of novel synthetic biology tools and technologies

Stem cell derived therapies hold immense promise for treating diseases like cancer, diabetes and heart failure, but high manufacturing costs limit patient access. This project addresses this challenge by uniting the engineering biology expertise of the Rosalind Franklin Institute (RFI) with the commercial bioreactor development of Sterling Bio Machines (SBM).

Together, the project partners will create an intelligent, automated monitoring system that uses cutting-edge Artificial Intelligence to analyse cell health and growth in real-time. This innovative Process Analytical Technology (PAT) will enable SBM’s bioreactors to automatically optimise culture conditions, significantly improving the consistency and yield of iPSC production through auto-adjustment of parameters in real time. By making the manufacturing of these advanced therapies more efficient and reliable, this six-month project aims to lower their cost, making them more accessible to patients. This work will deliver a new commercial capability for a UK SME and strengthen the nation’s leadership in the rapidly growing cell therapy industry.

For more information

For more information on this project, contact us, or view all Engineering Biology SPARK Award winners.

This project funding is part of the Engineering Biology Innovation Network, led by Innovate UK Business Connect in collaboration with Innovate UK and UKRI’s Technology Mission Fund. The network’s goal is to progress innovations, create a commercially focused community and foster new consortia to advance innovations towards commercial applications.