Poster W2 - Advances in stem cell manufacturing: Multivariate sensor array & wireless electronics for real-time cell culture monitoring

Introduction: The potential of stem cells is transforming personalized medicine, especially for treating neurodegenerative and genetic disorders. However, the challenge lies in consistently producing clinical-grade stem cells due to the lack of reliable manufacturing platforms with essential continuous monitoring technologies. Addressing this, our study introduces a smart bioreactor system equipped with an integrated wireless sensor network for in situ monitoring of stem cell cultures. This system measures critical parameters like pH, glucose, dissolved oxygen (DO), and temperature, ensuring the cells quality and reproducibility. By providing real-time, spatially resolved feedback, this advanced sensing platform aims to enhance stem cell production for widespread clinical and industrial use.

Materials and

Methods: This study developed a sensor array for real-time monitoring key parameters in various cell cultures. Advanced microfabrication techniques crafted pH, temperature, dissolved oxygen, and glucose sensors, integrated into a flexible electrode system to minimize cell culture disruption. The system was tested on different cell types, including human-induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), mouse primary myoblasts (mPMs), and human- and mouse mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs / mMSCs). It also featured cells embedded in gelatin-hydroxyphenyl propionic acid hydrogels for direct viability and morphology monitoring. Demonstrated in both Petri dishes and large cell-bag systems, the array facilitates dynamic monitoring that enhances understanding of cell behavior in vitro, supporting advancements in stem cell research and therapeutic applications.

Results, Conclusions, and Discussions: The smart bioreactor system presented demonstrates a promising approach for scalable, cost-effective, and feedback-enabled cell manufacturing suitable for clinical and research applications. It features fully integrated sensors and electronics within a rocking bioreactor, enabling accurate, wireless, real-time monitoring of pH, temperature, DO, and glucose across various cell types, including iPSCs, mPMs, hMSC, and mMSC. This system facilitates continuous assessment of spatial and temporal changes in the culture environment, enhancing high-throughput cell manufacturing through concurrent feedback and active management capabilities. The nanomembrane sensors utilized are not only flexible and electrochemically sensitive but also smaller than traditional rigid sensors, maintaining structural integrity and reliability under continuous rocking motion for 30 days with minimal sensitivity degradation. Future work aims to expand sensor capabilities, validate scalability with larger bioreactors, and improve the manufacturing of therapeutic cells for widespread clinical and industrial use.

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