Automated cell culture at scale

2025-2027

We are using the cutting-edge CellXpress.ai robotic cell culture platform to do complex cell culture at scale.  

Having enough of the right kind of cells for testing (especially, Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells, IPSCs) is a key limiting factor for being able to quickly test our ideas.  It also limits our ability to provide the kinds of data that regulators will need in order to approve use of these therapies.

This robotic system will enable us to culture cells and run tests in a much faster and more standardised way than is currently possible.  This will help us thoroughly explore the limits of our current tools, and also to improve the training data for AI models, which in turn will help us develop and test the next generation of therapies.

The system will be able to run multiple cell culture workflows in parallel for 2D and 3D culture of multiple cell types, including organoids and IPSCs. Real-time machine learning-assisted decision-making interprets images from the inbuilt microscopy, to allow improved automation of key tasks such as monitoring, feeding and passaging cell cultures.

Furthermore, the system reduces out-of-hours work that can conflict with caring responsibilities and lessens environmental impact by reducing travel requirements and consumables wastage.

The improved reproducibility and imaging data will make the data useful for a wider range of purposes (inside and outside the MRC CoRE).

In 2025-2027, as we learn to get the most out of this system, the primary goal will be to support the work in the Brain Theme.  Once the workflows are established, the CellXpress.ai will be available for priority use by all CoRE Research Themes, with any excess capacity shared with other research teams (within and beyond Oxford). 

We have carefully considered how to maximise the capacity of the CellXpress.ai to support a culture of collaboration, resource sharing, and transparency, ensuring that its benefits extend throughout our institution and to external users.  One of our measures of success is in providing training for others, to share expertise within and beyond Oxford.