Prolific Machines, a pioneering biotechnology company, has announced a $55 million Series B funding round to advance its innovative bioreactor technology. This Emeryville, California-based company is set to transform the way cells are grown for food and medical applications by using light instead of traditional, costly molecular methods.
Innovative Approach to Cell Growth
Founded in 2020 by Deniz Kent, Max Huisman, and Declan Jones, Prolific Machines focuses on more efficient and sustainable manufacturing techniques for the food and pharmaceutical industries. Traditional cell growth methods involve expensive recombinant proteins and unpredictable processes. Prolific Machines aims to overcome these challenges by leveraging light, a readily available and consistent resource.
Kent likened the existing molecular methods to putting cream in coffee—where cells move randomly and are difficult to control. The current approach lacks precision, leading to inconsistent results and making optimization challenging. In contrast, light offers a controllable and consistent alternative, solving many of these issues. It is inexpensive, can be directed precisely, and remains unchanged over time, making it ideal for machine-based applications.
Light-Based Bioreactor Technology
Prolific Machines’ breakthrough involves using light to control cell growth. The company’s bioreactors utilize light to manage cellular processes, replacing the need for costly chemicals or proteins. Light’s predictability and versatility allow for precise control, making it an effective tool for biomanufacturing.
The company provides several products to facilitate this new approach:
- Genetic Tools: Strands of DNA activated by light to eliminate growth factors or convert cells.
- Cell Lines: Bovine cell chassis for food and Cho cell chassis for pharmaceutical applications.
- Hardware: Devices that deliver light to bioreactors and monitor cell-light interactions.
- Software: Algorithms analyzing spectral data to determine optimal light patterns.
This comprehensive system allows for the efficient production of high-value bioproducts, including nutritional proteins, therapeutic antibodies, and cultivated meat.
Significant Funding and Future Plans
The Series B funding round, led by the Ki Tua Fund (Fonterra Co-operative Group’s venture arm), includes participation from Breakthrough Energy Ventures, Mayfield, SOSV, Shorewind Capital, Darco Capital, Conti Ventures, and In-Q-Tel (IQT). This financing round, which includes convertible notes, brings Prolific Machines’ total funding to $86.5 million.
Deniz Kent emphasized that the new funds would be directed towards commercialization and customer acquisition. The company is transitioning from proof of concept to market readiness, with plans to engage commercial partners in the near future.
Implications for the Industry
From my perspective, Prolific Machines’ light-based bioreactor technology represents a significant advancement in biotechnology. The ability to control cell growth precisely and cost-effectively has profound implications for both the food and pharmaceutical industries.
Pros:
- Cost Efficiency: Light is cheaper than molecular methods, reducing production costs.
- Consistency: Light’s unchanging nature ensures predictable cell growth.
- Sustainability: Reduces the reliance on expensive and resource-intensive proteins.
Cons:
- Technical Challenges: Integrating light technology with existing biomanufacturing processes may require significant adjustments.
- Market Acceptance: Convincing traditional industries to adopt new technologies can be slow and challenging.
Overall, Prolific Machines’ innovative approach has the potential to revolutionize the biomanufacturing landscape. By replacing costly and unpredictable molecular methods with a precise and affordable light-based system, the company is poised to make significant strides in producing sustainable and high-quality bioproducts. As commercialization efforts ramp up, it will be exciting to see how this technology impacts the industry and beyond.
