Sensing Robotics for Smarter Biotechnology
Development of an innovative system for the control of biotechnological processes
The aim of this project is developing a cross-cutting system based on smart electronics to apply to biotechnological downstream processes. It will consist of a multi-functional robotic device equipped with sensors to actuate a wide range of biotechnological process.
The sensing technology to be innovated in the SR4SB project will be based on 96-well plates for downstream development of antibodies, which will be monitored using different printed sensors directly integrated on the 96-well plates or multi-channel reservoirs for different purposes [conductivity, pH, height, ...] and will send information to the robotic device which will make the purification process technologically holistic by in-process controls, chromatography techniques and high-throughput downstream [purification] processes through smart electronics.
The sensing robotic system will be smarter: the biotechnological process will be more accurately observed, performed and controlled. The SR4SB system will be able to pack different type of resins in one 96 well plate. Protein A, cation exchange, anion exchange, hydrophobic interaction and mixed mode chromatography techniques can be used with this unique robotic system. Initially used for monoclonal antibodies within the SR4SB project, the technology has the potential of being extended to wider groups of cell lines and proteins, making an immense impact to smarter biotechnology worldwide.
Main goals
1. Developing a multi-functional robotic device equipped with sensors to actuate a wide range of biotechnological process for more accurate performance, observation and control of the biotechnological process, particularly in-process controls, chromatography techniques and high-throughput downstream purification processes;
2. Piloting the holistic smart electronics system for the biotechnological production of monoclonal antibodies within the SR4SR project, and ensuring that the results could be extended to wider groups of cell lines and proteins, making an immense impact to smarter biotechnology worldwide.
Project Duration: October 2018 to October 2021
European Eligible Cost: 3.36 M €
Financial Support from FEDER: 494.008,63 €
Project Type: SI I&DT Empresarial – Copromoção
Intervention Region: Portugal (North,Center); Turkey
Program:
Results
- The ionic conductivity sensors are undergoing final laboratory tests. The sensor’s resolution is 0.1 mS.
- The pH sensors are under development to optimize their sensitivity parameter.
- Regarding level sensors, two approaches are being studied: matrices and columns. Final implementation will be in 24- and 96-well plates.