Scientist Sartorius Stedim Biotech GmbH, Corporate Research Goettingen, Niedersachsen, Germany
Abstract: The evolution of continuous bioprocessing marks a significant stride in enhancing the efficiency of biomanufacturing. However, orchestrating the complex equipment involved remains a formidable challenge, particularly due to the scarcity of IT expertise among process engineering and biological personnel. This study proposes the adoption of low-code platforms as an innovative and effective solution to this challenge, enabling a more accessible and simplified orchestration process.
Low-code platforms, characterized by their user-friendly graphical interfaces and pre-defined building blocks, allow for the straightforward development of equipment orchestration pipelines. This approach significantly lowers the barrier to entry for non-IT professionals, facilitating their active participation in software development for bioprocessing.
Our research showcases the successful implementation of a low-code platform in a continuous bioprocess, specifically a perfusion CHO cell culture system, seamlessly integrated with downstream processing equipment. This integration was further enhanced by the incorporation of sensor technology, all managed through software developed via low-code.
Crucially, the intuitive nature of the low-code platform fostered the involvement of non-IT personnel, encouraging a collaborative and interdisciplinary approach. This not only streamlined the process but also democratized the development and management of control software, allowing for a broader range of expertise to contribute to the biomanufacturing process.
In conclusion, our study underscores the significant potential of low-code platforms in simplifying the orchestration of continuous bioprocesses. By bridging the gap between complex biotechnological processes and IT implementation, low-code platforms offer a practical, efficient, and inclusive solution, paving the way for enhanced collaboration and innovation in biomanufacturing.
