Join our webinars this week:

Hola, LHGSA's meeting TODAY will feature food, pan dulce, arts & crafts, and learning about the open board positions for the next academic school year! 

A big congratulations to Vikash Kumar, chemical and biochemical engineering Ph.D., who emerged victorious at the 2023 BIOT Tank competition, organized by ACS BIOT (Division of Biochemical Technology of the American Chemical Society) at the 2023 ACS conference in San Francisco, CA. 

BIOT Tank is ACS BIOT’s version of “Shark Tank”, where cutting edge start-ups in the fields of bioprocessing compete for the finale with their product and their business plan. There were more than twenty submissions for the 2023 competition, and four were selected to give their final pitch during ACS Fall 2023 in San Francisco. Unlike the other “Shark Tank”, ACS BIOT has two awards instead of investors investing, a judge’s choice award and an audience choice award. It provides a great platform for Vikash Kumar and team to reach a wider and like-minded audience which is an investment of its own kind. We won the audience choice awards. We were the only student team at the competition. The other teams giving their pitch, were established start-ups with millions in funding and an experienced team.

Kumar's company, Breathable Bioprocessing, showcased their groundbreaking solution: a breathable flask paired with a non-invasive sensor system designed for shake flask, t-flask, and G-Rex applications. His innovative solutions in bioprocessing captured the attention of both industry experts and peers, highlighting his commitment to advancing the field. 

Watch Vikash’s video here: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/vikashk-as4711_bio-works-x-breathable-bioprocessing-at-acs-biot-activity-7097479059839811584-0t17/

Abstract:

Small-scale bioreactors like shake flasks, t-flasks, and G-rex are extensively used in upstream bioprocessing at academic labs and biopharma companies. However, their inability to support process monitoring due to design constraints and sterile requirements has made them function as black boxes during cell culture, leading to inefficiencies and inconsistent product quality.

To address these issues, a novel breathable membrane-based technology has been developed. This breakthrough allows for non-invasive monitoring of critical process parameters, such as dissolved oxygen and dissolved carbon dioxide, from the external environment of the vessels. For shake flasks, a breathable shake flask has been introduced, enabling measurements of dissolved O2 and CO2 through externally attached sensors. As for T-flasks and G-Rex, a sensor manifold placed at the bottom of the flask facilitates non-invasive monitoring of O2 and CO2 through gas diffusion processes without compromising the integrity of the ongoing processes.

This technological breakthrough promises to revolutionize bioprocessing by providing vital process knowledge and control. As a recent startup with three employees, the company is in early discussions with potential customers and collaborators to expand the technology's implementation globally. This innovation is expected to significantly improve the efficiency and reliability of bioprocessing studies, leading to better therapeutic product outcomes.

Join the U.S. Congress, Maryland Department of Disabilities  and the disability community within UMBC and beyond to celebrate National Assistive Technology (AT) Awareness Day.

National AT Awareness Day honors people with disabilities who require AT to access their education, workplace, community, and recreational activities. The day also recognizes the innovation of researchers, educators, and the dedication of AT specialists and program providers who operate AT programs so that millions of individuals can acquire and use low-cost and often no-cost AT.  

Every state has an Assistive Technology Program that is a resource for its residents - information on Maryland's Assistive Technology program MDTAP is linked here.  MDTAP AT loan libraries are located throughout the state with nine community locations so people can try out devices for suitability before committing to a purchase.  Assistive Technology is in regular use on campus.

Learn more about Maryland's AT High Tech Reuse Program on June 12th via the MDoD webinar, register via this Zoom link - potentially a no-cost option for some Maryland residents.

More information about National Assistive Technology Day is available at the link below.

Blind Industries and Services of Maryland is in nearby Halethorpe and works with Marylanders and vision loss, including connecting with resources for incorporating assistive technology into daily living.  Celebrate with group of AT users this Saturday at their upcoming Brew Reveal.

#ATAwarenessDay #disability #disabilityinclusion