Marcus Schicklberger with some of the supplies donated by Aldevron.
When conducting biotechnology research, a bevy of tools is often required. Whether it’s pipettes, bottles, fermentation tanks, or resins, researchers looking to advance knowledge and innovation at the intersection of biology and technology often require an extensive supply of supplies. The Biotechnology Resource Center (BRC), a pilot-scale biomanufacturing contract development and manufacturing organization on the University of Minnesota campus in St. Paul, is no different. A recent gift made acquiring some of those tools a little easier for the BRC.
“Our long-term business partner at Aldevron reached out to me personally and mentioned that they were in the process of cleaning out their warehouse to make space for new inventory,” says Marcus Schicklberger, BRC pilot plant manager. “Given our longstanding relationship and his familiarity with the type of research and development work we conduct, he immediately thought of us as a potential beneficiary.”
Aldevron donated single-use media bags and transfer hoses, weight markers, multi-well plates and much more to the BRC. The total in-kind donation from the biomanufacturing firm with locations in Fargo, North Dakota and Madison, Wisconsin equaled more than $600,000. Schicklberger sees how the donated tools and materials could make an immediate impact.
“The flasks and bottles provided through the donation will serve critical roles across multiple phases of our bioprocessing workflow,” he says. “Initially, they will be used during the technology transfer process from our clients to our facility, where we replicate and optimize their upstream processes under controlled conditions. These vessels are essential for performing early-stage feasibility studies, allowing us to assess cell line performance, media compatibility, and process scalability before moving into larger-scale bioreactor runs.”
Schicklberger also noted acquiring such tools as additional flasks and bottles can aid in a smoother transition as the BRC advances efforts in expanding biotechnology fields. While still allocating the donated tools and materials for their work internally, the BRC also plans to assess what of the donation can go to other research labs or units in the BioTechnology Institute and College of Biological Sciences at the U of M.
“We are committed to ensuring that these valuable resources are distributed where they can have the greatest benefit,” says Schicklberger. “In addition to supporting research, some of the donated items may also be used in the teaching laboratory to enhance educational experiences for students.”
Regardless of where the materials end up, Schicklberger sees how the donation could have an impact over time.
“While the donated supplies do not cover every aspect of our operations, they will play a key role in supporting our strategic growth,” he says. “We plan to leverage these materials not only to strengthen our internal programs, but also to broaden our industry customer base and establish new relationships within the biotech sector.“