Biosphere zaps germs with UV light to make biomanufacturing cheaper

Biosphere uses UV light to simplify and reduce biomanufacturing costs.

: Biosphere utilizes UV light to sterilize bioreactors, reducing reliance on traditional high-energy methods like steam. This technology, made feasible due to cheaper UV-C LEDs post-COVID, is being tested in a $1.5 million Department of Defense project. The company aims to lower biomanufacturing costs by replacing costly equipment with LEDs and using cheaper materials. Biosphere has raised $8.8 million in seed funding from investors including Lowercarbon Capital and VXI Capital.

Biosphere has innovated a method to sterilize bioreactors using UV-C light, an alternative to the energy-intensive steam sterilization process developed decades ago by Pfizer. This development comes at a time when UV-C LEDs have become significantly cheaper, spurred by increased production during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The company's three-liter benchtop bioreactor features bright LEDs that decontaminate its interior, potentially lowering biomanufacturing costs by reducing the need for expensive equipment like stainless steel. The startup is testing this technology in collaboration with the Department of Defense to produce high-performance oils, which could lead to more affordable processes in manufacturing.

Biosphere is advancing its designs, planning a 100-liter pilot bioreactor and eventually larger models. Their funding success, garnering $8.8 million led by Lowercarbon Capital and VXI Capital, supports the company's vision to transform the bioreactor landscape with more affordable and simpler solutions.