Automated Cell Culture
Automating cell culture requires machines to mimic a diverse range of protocols typically executed by experienced scientists. These actions may be a simple mechanical action, or a complex, algorithmically driven decision to alter the treatment of the culture. Passaging is a ubiquitous process in cell culture, but requires mechanical and time sensitive real time qualitative analysis and action. Our team used image analysis to guide this process, and developed novel tools and protocols to optimize automated cell culturing techniques. One such tool was a disposable to remove and collect cells from a cell culture plate. While it may seem to be a simple ask, maintaining and optimizing cell health outcomes is a complex problem to solve. Experiments were conducted to validate cell viability, typically via flow cytometry, through each stage of product development.
*Please note that this work is not reported in full to respect potentially sensitive IP.
Scientists have been trained to identify critical points in cell culture processes. Automating these processes mean training machines to recognize the same events.
Iterations of automated cell culture disposables.
Maintaining cell viability is of utmost importance, so testing an array of geometries and materials was key.
Early in-house disposable prototype.
Later stage SLA printed prototpye.
Unit testing an early prototype.