Lonza, one of the world’s largest contract development and manufacturing organizations (CDMOs), has leveraged its membership with MIT’s Industrial Liaison Program (ILP) to drive technological and scientific advancements in biomanufacturing. This effort aligns with Lonza’s commitment to engineering excellence and innovation while addressing critical challenges in biopharmaceutical production processes.
Fed-batch production cultures are integral to biomanufacturing, but assessing their progress and quality in real time remains a significant challenge. Current methods for monitoring key attributes, such as product concentration and glycosylation, are time-consuming and do not support rapid responses to process changes. Lonza sought an innovative solution to improve process monitoring, quality control, and responsiveness.
In 2023, the ILP facilitated an introduction between Lonza scientists and MIT Professor Scott Manalis, an expert in microfluidic technologies. During their initial meeting, Professor Manalis and graduate student Richard Wu presented their research on a novel microfluidic platform capable of measuring the biomass, volume, and density of single cells with unprecedented precision. Francesco Destro, a postdoctoral researcher in Professor Richard Braatz’s lab at MIT, had contributed critical modeling work that helped shape the platform’s ability to monitor production processes. Their approach highlighted the potential for enhanced monitoring of cellular states and production cultures.
“The precision and scope of Professor Manalis’ work immediately resonated with our team,” said Hemanth Kaligotla, Director of External Innovation at Lonza. “Thanks to the ILP, we connected with a leading expert and found a mechanism to establish a deeper engagement.”
This working relationship showcases the ILP’s ability to bridge cutting-edge academic research with the evolving needs of the industry, underscoring how targeted introductions and sustained support can accelerate research and deliver meaningful advancements.
In 2024, Lonza began working with Professor Manalis’ lab under a research contract facilitated by ILP and MIT’s Office of Strategic Alliances and Technology Transfer (OSATT). The project focuses on refining the microfluidic platform to meet Lonza’s specific needs. It aims to correlate cellular biophysical properties with product quality attributes, enabling real-time process adjustments to enhance consistency and quality. Thaddeus Webster, R&D Supervisor at Lonza, remarked, “This project could transform how we monitor and manage our production cultures. By integrating this technology, we can better track progress, respond to changes, and ensure higher product quality.” Professor Manalis shared his enthusiasm: “Working with Lonza is inspiring. The company’s leadership in the CDMO industry and forward-thinking approach makes Lonza the ideal partner for advancing this technology.”
Lonza’s collaborative efforts with MIT is not only tackling today’s challenges but also paving the way for innovations in microfluidic technologies that will shape the future of biomanufacturing. This working relationship showcases the ILP’s ability to bridge cutting-edge academic research with the evolving needs of the industry, underscoring how targeted introductions and sustained support can accelerate research and deliver meaningful advancements.
Kaligotla concluded, “This effort exemplifies the value of programs like the ILP. Connecting technical expertise with corporate needs paves the way for groundbreaking innovations that benefit both industry and academia.”