CultiLux - Development and establishment of an innovative device for lighting of photomixotrophic and phototrophic organisms in orbitally shaken culture vessels

In bioprocess engineering and biotechnology, photomixotrophic and phototrophic organisms like cyanobacteria and plant in vitro cultures are studied intensively. The Respiration Activity MOnitoring System® (RAMOS®) from HiTec Zang GmbH is an optimal tool for such screening purposes but currently offers no possibility of photonic stimulation. On this basis, a new corporate project between TU Dresden and HiTec Zang aims the development of a lighting unit consisting of high performance LED and a fully automated control for generation of different lighting profiles usable in a wide range for cell culture screening. The innovative potential thereby predominantly lies in a precise controllable and adjustable lighting device for shake flasks applicable for cultivation of all phototrophic organisms. The figure illustrates the intended modular setting consisting of an LED panel and shake flasks, whereby the flasks will be illuminated from below. This setup enables the integration of diverse material for diffusion, dimming or filtration of light. The LED panel will be connected to a controller for regulation according to the preferred lighting regime.

The project is divided into two parts: (1) The development of technical boundary conditions like lighting time, illumination circles, etc. as well as the purchase and generation of phototrophic and photomixotrophic cell and tissue cultures, project planning and experimental verification will be executed at the TU Dresden. (2) The company operates rating, construction and manufacturing of the incubator, which includes the complete lighting unit and the temperature control. Furthermore, the implementation of the CultiLux controller into the RAMOS® control system including driver software development will be conducted. Additionally, a user-friendly software interface will be developed cooperatively.