The lack of consistent and efficient production methods has been a limiting factor for broad translation of stem cell research to clinical therapies due to challenges in quantification and monitoring of cell growth and quality. State-of-the-art technology for monitoring cell number and quality in anchorage-dependent cells often relies on measuring the DNA content, analyzing metabolic activity, or staining/detaching the cells. The harsh and invasive nature of these methods increases the likelihood of procedural error in cell measurement and reduction in cell quality. Furthermore, these manual methods of assessing the quality of cells are difficult to integrate within an automated feedback-controlled process, limiting their use for large-scale manufacturing of stem cells. The development of a platform that can non-invasively provide real-time measurement of cell number and other critical process parameters (CPPs) would be an invaluable asset for developing automated feedback-controlled processes and, as a result, cell-culture for therapeutic and research applications.

The objective of this project is the realization of a magnetoelastic sensing system capable of remotely tracking cell number, stages of cell growth, and critical process parameters (CPPs). Magnetoelastic sensors are a battery-free embedded sensing platform that are interrogated wirelessly via magnetic fields. When subjected to appropriate magnetic field excitation, these sensors undergo mechanical vibration, which generates a secondary magnetic field that can be remotely captured. Sensing of cell loading on the sensor is achieved by monitoring changes in the sensor’s resonance spectrum.

Related Publications:

1. W. S. Skinner, P. G. Saiz, A. Reizabal, J. E. Plumley, P. D. Dalton, K. G. Ong. “Integration of melt electrowritten microfibers with magnetoelastic sensors for continuous monitoring of cell growth.” Sensors & Diagnostics, 2024

2. W. S. Skinner, S. Zhang, J. R. Garcia, R. Guldberg, K. G. Ong. “Magnetoelastic Monitoring System for Tracking Growth of Human Mesenchymal Stromal Cells.” MDPI Sensors, 2023

3. W. S. Skinner, S. Zhang, R. Guldberg, K. G. Ong. “Magnetoelastic Sensor Optimization for Improving Mass Monitoring.” MDPI Sensors, 2022

4. S. Shekhar, S. Karipott, R. Guldberg, K. G. Ong. “Magnetoelastic Sensors for Real-Time Tracking of Cell Growth.” Biotechnology and Bioengineering, 2021

5. Keat Ghee Ong, Robert E. Guldberg, William Skinner, Salil Karipott, Magnetoelastic Microcarriers and Monitoring System, US Patent, filed 12/31/2020.