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    First Virtual Learn & Connect Seminar on Bioprocessing

    Written by: Mohi Ahmadinia

    Advancing Upstream Bioprocessing through Digitalization and Automation

    On June 25, 2026, Securecell hosted its first Virtual Learn & Connect Seminar on Bioprocessing, bringing together scientists, engineers, researchers, and industry professionals for a half-day of scientific exchange, expert presentations, and interactive discussions.

    The seminar focused on “Advancing Upstream Bioprocessing through Digitalization and Automation”. It highlighted the growing role of digital technologies, Process Analytical Technology (PAT), advanced modeling, automation, analytical devices, and integrated data workflows in modern upstream bioprocessing.

    Following the success of previous in-person Learn & Connect seminars in Leiden, this first virtual edition extended the format to an international online audience. The event created a valuable platform for sharing scientific insights, discussing practical challenges, and exploring how digital and automated solutions can support more efficient, scalable, and data-driven bioprocess development.

    A Program Dedicated to PAT, Automation, and Data-Driven Bioprocessing

    The seminar featured a strong scientific program with presentations from leading experts in academia and industry. Each talk addressed a different aspect of digital bioprocessing, from automated sampling and online analytics to real-time monitoring, hybrid modeling, and next-generation PAT implementation.

    The program opened with a presentation from Dr. Mohsen Shaeri, Associate Lead Scientist, at CGT Catapult, focusing on next-generation automation and PAT implementation for Quality by Design and enhanced approaches in cell and gene therapy. The presentation highlighted how automated sampling, novel PAT tools, and digital infrastructure can support more robust process understanding and accelerate the development of advanced therapies.

    Dr. Alan G. Ryder, Professor at the University of Galway, presented APIES — simultaneous Absorbance, Polarised Intrinsic Emission, and Scattering — as a new analytical platform for biopharmaceutical applications. His talk explored how label-free, non-destructive fluorescence-based methods can provide rapid information on protein concentration, aggregation, and structural stability, supporting their potential use as PAT tools in biopharmaceutical manufacturing.

    Xingge Xu, PhD candidate at McGill University, presented work on real-time monitoring and forecasting of adenovirus production in HEK293 cells. The presentation demonstrated how multi-sensor measurements and mechanistic mathematical models can be combined to estimate and forecast viral titers in real time. This approach supports process optimization, quality assurance, and the development of digital twins for adaptive control in Biopharma 4.0.

    The final scientific presentation was given by Dr. Umme Ayesa, Senior Scientist at Merck, who discussed advancing PAT through automated sampling and online analytical integration. Her talk showed how automated sampling systems such as Numera® can support more frequent and representative sampling while reducing manual handling and variability. The presentation also highlighted the integration of Numera® with an Agilent Online LC-MS system, demonstrating how automated sampling and direct analytical integration can accelerate result generation and improve process understanding.

    Creating Interaction in a Virtual Setting

    To make the virtual seminar more interactive, the program included short poll questions between the presentations. These polls focused on topics such as digitalization, PAT, automation, and current challenges in bioprocess engineering.

    The questions encouraged participants to reflect on the topics presented and provided a structured way to exchange perspectives within the virtual format. This interactive element helped maintain engagement throughout the afternoon and created a more dynamic experience.

    After the break, the sponsors had the opportunity to briefly introduce their companies, technologies, and products. Dedicated virtual breakout rooms then allowed participants to continue the conversation directly with sponsor representatives and members of the Securecell team.

    Thank You to Our Speakers, Sponsors, and Partners

    Securecell would like to sincerely thank all speakers for their valuable contributions and for sharing their scientific expertise with the Learn & Connect community. Their presentations provided meaningful insights into the future of upstream bioprocessing and demonstrated how digitalization, automation, PAT, and advanced analytics are already shaping practical applications in research, development, and manufacturing.

    We would also like to thank our sponsors and partners, including KEOFITT, National Physical Laboratory (NPL), Getinge, Alicat Scientific, DataHow, and all contributing organizations, for supporting this first virtual edition. Their participation helped create a broader platform for knowledge exchange, networking, and discussion across the bioprocessing community.

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    Continuing the Learn & Connect Series

    The first Virtual Learn & Connect Seminar marked an important step in expanding the Learn & Connect format beyond in-person events. While the online format made it possible to reach a wider audience, the core objective remained the same: to create a science-driven platform for open exchange, practical learning, and collaboration in bioprocessing.

    Securecell looks forward to continuing these discussions at the next in-person Learn & Connect Seminar, taking place on 25 November 2026 at Getinge Applikon in Delft, the Netherlands.

    The upcoming full-day seminar will again focus on Advancing Upstream Bioprocessing through Digitalization and Automation and will feature expert presentations, interactive workshops, networking opportunities, and a tour of the bioprocessing lab at TU Delft.

     

    Mohi Ahmadinia

    Mohi earned a master’s degree in computer engineering from Delft University of Technology, showcasing his expertise in the field. With his prior employment at our esteemed partner, Getinge Applikon, Mohi brings a wealth of knowledge and familiarity with our products. Since the conclusion of 2022, Mohi has held the position of Senior Marketing Manager at Securecell, contributing his valuable insights and working from our branch office located in the Netherlands.

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