Sartorius and McMaster University inaugurate new Ontario bioprocessing automation lab

Published: 22-Jan-2025

The lab will unite students, Sartorius employees and other industry partners in exploring modelling and predictive control solutions for accelerated biomanufacturing

Sartorius has extended its collaboration with McMaster University by opening a novel bioprocessing automation lab.

The 1,600 sqft laboratory is situated in the Faculty of Engineering at the university in Hamilton, Ontario — with a notable proportion of the biomanufacturing equipment within it being supplied by Sartorius. 

The laboratory will be used as a training and development hub for both students and Sartorius employees, allowing them to work alongside other industry partners to develop new bioprocess modelling and simulation methods. 

To achieve this build, a grant was issued through the Biosciences Research Infrastructure Fund (BRIF), an initiative by the Canadian government that aims to boost the national growth of its biomanufacturing and life science capabilities. 

It is now the first facility fully funded by BRIF to open in the country. 

 

Continuing collaborations

This facility expands on Sartorius and McMaster University's long-term collaborations, which have been running since 2019.

In this time, the organisations have worked on optimising the manufacturing of antibody and virus-based therapeutics for diseases like cancer and COVID-19, as well as providing training opportunities for students.

Through this scheme, the pair hope to inspire the next generation of talent within Canada.

“The opening of the Sartorius Bioprocess Automation Lab marks a milestone in McMaster’s commitment to advancing biomanufacturing capabilities in Canada,” said Dr Heather Sheardown, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering at McMaster University.

“This generous contribution will support technological innovations in large-scale biotherapeutics manufacturing that enhance production efficiency and ultimately expand access to life-saving treatments for chronic illnesses such as autoimmune disorders and cancers.”

Prof. Dr. Oscar-Werner Reif, Chief Technology Officer of Sartorius, added, “This partnership enables McMaster University and Sartorius to explore and industrialize innovative bioprocessing solutions together with partners from the biopharmaceutical industry."

"In this state-of-the-art facility young researchers from academia and the industry will jointly develop innovative modelling and predictive control solutions that help to simplify and accelerate biomanufacturing processes – ultimately driving faster developments of improved therapies that will be accessible to patients around the world.”

“In the crucial biomanufacturing field, the opening of this lab will help Canadian researchers secure the competitive advantage they need to maintain the prosperity, health and security of our country,” said Dr. Sylvain Charbonneau, President and CEO of the Canada Foundation for Innovation. “With public and private sector support, this cutting-edge facility will help prepare the new generation of innovators.”

Building on these contributions, a team of McMaster researchers has secured additional Alliance Grant funding from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) to launch an extensive four-year collaboration with Sartorius.

 

 

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