An innovative on-chip multi-sensing platform for single-use biopharmaceutical applications

Project Information

MultiSpek

Grant agreement ID: 101188575

DOI

10.3030/101188575

EC signature date 22 November 2024

Start date 1 January 2025

End date 31 December 2026

Funded under

• The European Innovation Council (EIC)

Total cost

No data

EU contribution

€ 2 491 232,64

Coordinated by

INSPEK
France

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - MultiSpek (An innovative on-chip multi-sensing platform for single-use biopharmaceutical applications)

Reporting period: 2025-01-01 to 2025-12-31

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

The biopharmaceutical industry faces critical challenges in real-time monitoring of cell culture processes, particularly in single-use bioreactors (SUBs). Current sensor technologies often lack the precision, durability, and compatibility required for modern bioprocessing, leading to inefficiencies, higher costs, and suboptimal product quality. The need for robust, sterilizable, and high-performance sensors is urgent, as biomanufacturing processes become increasingly complex and regulated.
The MultiSpek project aims to develop an on-chip multisensing platform for real-time, in-situ monitoring of key biochemical parameters (e.g. glucose, lactate, pH) in bioreactors. By integrating advanced integrated photonics sensing, the project seeks to overcome limitations of existing sensors, such as fouling, limited durability, and incompatibility with sterilization processes. The platform will enable continuous, label-free monitoring, improving process control, reducing batch failures, and supporting the industry’s shift toward Industry 4.0 and single-use technologies.
The project aligns with EU priorities in advanced manufacturing, digitalization, and sustainable bioproduction. It directly addresses the Horizon Europe EIC Accelerator’s focus on disruptive innovations that enhance industrial competitiveness and sustainability.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

During the first reporting period, MultiSpek progressed from a lab validated concept towards an integrated prototype tested in relevant bioprocess environments. The work focused on sensor chip and packaging optimisation, system integration and initial validation with end users, supported by structured project, risk and data management.
The miniaturised fibre attached sensor chip was designed, fabricated and optimised, improving sensitivity and stability compared to the starting TRL 5 design. In parallel, packaging concepts compatible with autoclaving and single use environments were explored, including materials and surface treatments to address fouling and polymer damage risks identified in the risk register.
The full system architecture (sensor, optical control unit and software) was implemented, achieving robust optical coupling and signal processing.
Laboratory and pilot scale tests in relevant fermentation and cell culture conditions confirmed the ability of the platform to generate stable, process relevant spectra and signals. Engagements with early adopters validated the targeted use cases and market assumptions of the original business plan. Milestone MS2 “Optimised sensor prototype completed” was achieved within the reporting period. Risk and quality assurance processes have been actively applied, especially for technical integration, sensor performance and IPR management.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

The project is delivering a first of its kind on chip multi sensing probe that combines integrated photonics Raman structures with complementary optical sensing in a compact, robust form factor suitable for both stainless steel and single use bioreactors. This goes beyond the current state of the art dominated by larger, more fragile Raman systems and electrochemical probes limited to a few parameters.
By enabling real time, multi analyte monitoring, MultiSpek supports advanced PAT strategies, tighter process control and reduced batch variability in fermentation and biopharma production. The scalable chip and packaging design follows the industrialisation pathway foreseen in the proposal, creating a credible route to cost effective high volume deployment, including in single use processes.
These results underpin the expected industrial and economic impacts: lower cost of goods through fewer failed batches and better use of raw materials, and shorter development cycles for new processes. To secure full uptake, the project confirms the need for extended piloting in GMP like environments, further investment in manufacturing scale up, and targeted actions on regulatory alignment, IPR and internationalisation, as already anticipated in the exploitation roadmap.

One of InSpek’s sensors inside a bioreactor.

A photonic chip being measured in the visible range.

InSpek’s multi-parameter control unit.