Project: Sorting and analysis platform for fragile mammalian cells using novel combination of optical -and droplet technology.
The overall objective is to create a novel gentle mammalian cell sorting platform (OPTISORT);_x000D_The specific CO goals are:_x000D_• Develop further a novel gentle cell sorting platform based on a new optical sorting principle (the optical catapult)._x000D_• Develop further a novel cell protection technology which can strengthen cell handling manipulations without destroying cells._x000D_• Combine these technologies into a strong robust cell sorting platform, demonstrated by a number of mammalian cell sorting applications. _x000D_In both industry and academia there is a growing need for analysis and understanding of mammalian cells at the single cell level. The present commercial cell sorting systems (Fluorescence Activated Cell Sorting, FACS systems) are relatively harsh to most mammalian cell types, including stem cells and immune cells. Furthermore, sorting of recombinant cells for clonal selection (for optimized recombinant manufacturing of proteins) can be difficult to automate due to the fragile nature of these transfected cells. _x000D_We see an unmet combined need for sorting equipment and associated cell protection methods by which living mammalian cells can be handled more gently._x000D_The Consortium Ps have identified a unique future market opportunity for creating an easy-to-use, gentle handling, low cost sorting and analysis platform._x000D_An optical based sorting and analysis platform will bring a commercial attractive platform on the market that; 1) will enable the sorting and analysis of cell types that are difficult or impossible to sort using conventional sorting technologies._x000D_2) create the opportunity for isolating subpopulations of stem cells that can be used for regenerative medicine._x000D_3) enable the isolation of high producing mammalian cells leading to lower costs in pharmaceutical -and biotech companies producing recombinant proteins (biologics) in mammalian cell lines. _x000D__x000D_APPROACH_x000D_To develop a highly innovative, unique and robust sorting and analysis platform, the complementary expertise of the three project Ps, two R&D performing SME's (OptoRobotix A/S, Denmark and Dolomite Centre Ltd.) and a technological service P, Bioneer in Denmark is required:_x000D__x000D_OptoRobotix holds the rights to the optical catapulting technology that will be the basic technology behind the OPTISORT platform. The technology is based on strong scientific achievements done at Prof. Glückstads PPO research group at the Danish Technical University - achievements that recently has been published in Science and Nature Protocols. OptoRobotix has already done several Proof of Principle (POC) studies using Chinese Ovaria Hamster (CHO) cells, cells that are standard cell lines for recombinant protein production. _x000D__x000D_Dolomite Centre Ltd is well recognized for pioneering the use of microfluidic devices for small-scale fluid control and analysis and combining this with droplet technologies. Dolomite Centre Ltd. has an extensive network within life science, which will be important for the commercialization process of the OPTISORT platform. _x000D__x000D_Bioneer has expertise in general stem cell cultivation and phenotypical analysis of such cultures. Furthermore Bioneer has established a pilot plant for production of recombinant proteins in mammalian cell lines. Recently, Bioneer established a state-of the art advanced cell sorting facility and have extensively trained personel to operate this advanced facility. _x000D__x000D__x000D_EXPECTED RESULTS_x000D_The expected primary result of this project will be a new sorting and analysis platform ready to be launched on the market covering the two major areas within life science;_x000D__x000D_1. A robust and easy to use sorting and analysis platform for isolating mammalian cells producing recombinant proteins._x000D_ - Droplet technology for encapsulating mammalian cells (e.g. CHO and HEK cells) and subsequent _x000D_ of protein and optical sorting of high producing cells. _x000D_ _x000D_2. A robust and easy to use sorting and analysis platform for isolating stem cell populations._x000D_ - Identification of flurophor -tagged pluripotent stem cells and subsequently optical sorting. _x000D_ _x000D_The direct beneficiaries will be the two participating SME's who expect a substantial company growth as a result of this project (OptoRobotix + 100% in employees), and Bioneer who will enrich their research competencies as well as service offerings in relation to stem cell and mammalian cell sorting processes and further culture of these specialized cell types. _x000D_The platform will also have direct beneficial effects on the pharmaceutical -and biotech industry as the platform will ensure an efficient and robust isolation of 1) high-yielding mammalian cell lines producing therapeutic recombinant proteins, leading to a more efficient production process and thereby lower costs in the pharmaceutical -and biotech industry, 2) specific stem cell populations, allowing more efficient development of in vitro models and search for antibodies against subpopulations. _x000D__x000D__x000D_
| Acronym | OPTISORT (Reference Number: 7790) |
| Duration | 01/01/2013 - 01/01/2015 |
| Project Topic | The areas of stem cell biology and mammalian cell based protein manufacturing are developing fast. We have identified a need for gentle cell sorting technologies and methods in these areas. The Consortium combines novel optical -and droplet technology to create a commercial attractive platform. |
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Project Results (after finalisation) |
The CO results of the project for Bioneer is;_x000D_1. Establishment of Droplet platform at Bioneer facilities _x000D_2. Protocols for encapsulation of fragile cells (e.g. stem cells) into droplets for further manipulation._x000D_ - This is an important process in the internal strategy focusing on the development of new technologies for complex in vitro _x000D_ disease models based on stem cells. _x000D_3. Protocols for Droplet based microtissue construction (not original planned, but a spin off)._x000D_ - This is important for the commercial fee for service related to optimized liver toxicity models._x000D__x000D_The project has resulted in a technological platform that will be an important part of the commercial focus in Bioneer and a plarform that is already now part of coming larger R&D projects |
| Network | Eurostars |
| Call | Eurostars Cut-Off 9 |
Project partner
| Number | Name | Role | Country |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | Bioneer | Partner | Denmark |
| 3 | Dolomite Centre Ltd. | Partner | United Kingdom |
| 3 | OptoRobotix ApS | Coordinator | Denmark |