Scaling up iPSC Expansion and Differentiation using Recombinant Bioemulsions

Introduction

Advances in stem cell technologies have revolutionised cell therapy and advanced in vitro models, but remain limited by our ability to scale up and automate cell manufacturing. In particular, induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) expansion and differentiation require complex processing protocols that are preventing the wider deployment of associated technologies to the clinic and industry.

Challenges in Current Technologies

Although solid and hydrogel microcarriers have displayed potential in addressing this challenge, they present hurdles to the processing and separation from cell products. This leads to:

• Contamination of the generated cells
• Poor control of their phenotype
• High production costs

Developing cost-effective, scalable, and regulatory-compliant platforms for culturing, differentiating, and processing iPSCs, while circumventing reliance on solid substrates and microcarriers, remains critical for advancing cell manufacturing. This will significantly impact the sustained growth of associated biotech markets.

Promising Alternatives

To mitigate contamination risks, streamline bioprocessing, and reduce associated costs, bioemulsions have emerged as promising alternatives. Despite their demonstrated performance in a growing range of cellular contexts, current underpinning protein and polymer nanosheet technologies raise concerns regarding regulatory compliance for broad application in regenerative medicine.

Proposed Solution

We propose the engineering of recombinant protein nanosheets for the stabilisation of biomedical grade oil microdroplets. This approach will tackle the challenges mentioned and allow the production of bioemulsions in a scalable format, aligned with regulatory expectations.

Validation and Collaboration

The ability of the resulting bioemulsions to sustain the culture of iPSCs and their differentiation into defined lineages will be validated. This technology will be de-risked in collaboration with industrial partners aiming to scale up iPSC technologies.

Future Development

This collaboration will allow the development of further intellectual property (IP) that will support the exploitation of bioemulsions.