Using robots to improve the growth of stem cells for therapies
Official title: Fully autonomous robotic wet lab for stem cell culture media optimization
Funded at Dragonase LLC · NIH-11186524 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a new way to grow important blood-forming stem cells more effectively using a smart robot that can quickly test different growing conditions, which could help improve treatments for various health issues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 1 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Dragonase LLC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Minneapolis, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2025 |
| Project end | February 28, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $350,000 |
| NIH project number | 1R43GM159517-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11186524 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals requiring stem cell therapies, particularly those with conditions that could benefit from hematopoietic stem cell rejuvenation.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not require stem cell therapies or those whose conditions are unrelated to hematopoietic stem cells may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing the growth of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), which are crucial for cell rejuvenation therapies. It employs a fully autonomous robotic wet lab, referred to as a 'machine biologist', that utilizes machine learning to optimize the culture media for these stem cells. The system combines robotic experimentation with advanced computer vision and Bayesian optimization to conduct experiments much faster than traditional methods. This innovative approach aims to overcome current limitations in stem cell cultivation, potentially leading to more effective therapies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve the efficiency and effectiveness of stem cell therapies, benefiting patients in need of rejuvenation treatments.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using automated systems for biological experimentation, indicating that this approach could lead to significant advancements in stem cell research.
Where this research is happening
-
Dragonase LLC
Minneapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Todhunter, Michael E — Dragonase LLC
- Study coordinator: Todhunter, Michael E
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.