04 April 2022

The Bioprocess Innovation Suite at Teagasc Moorepark

A new state of the art bioprocessing facility is under development at Teagasc Food Research Centre, Moorepark. This facility, the Bioprocess Innovation Suite, will further enhance Teagasc’s research capabilities in the field of fermentation technology and biotransformation.

Bioprocessing

Bioprocessing is a process that uses living organisms to produce a desired, value-added product. These processes have the capacity to transform low value products (including waste streams) into higher value products with enhanced functional properties, extended shelf-life and improved safety. Bioprocessing is a key facet of the Sustainable Circular Bioeconomy, a strategy for developing a sustainable resilient food system, producing renewable feedstocks, food, fuel, energy and bio-based products and in doing so, protecting the environment. The development of the Bioprocess Innovation Suite will provide a step-change in Teagasc’s capabilities in bioprocessing and fermentation technology and allow the Irish research community to unlock the potential of bioprocessing to meet global demand for safe, natural foods and high-value bio-based products.

The Bioprocess Innovation Suite

Development of the Bioprocess Innovation Suite is led by Dr Olivia McAuliffe at Teagasc Moorepark and will consist of a new laboratory housing a collection of bioreactors, ranging from 0.8 ml to 20 L in scale, some of which will be combined with an integrated, automated microfluidics system for reaction setup and robotic sampling. The new equipment was funded by the SFI Research Infrastructure Programme. A 250 L bioreactor will also be installed in the new fermentation facility at the adjacent pilot plant, Moorepark Technology Ltd., which was funded by the Enterprise Ireland Technology Centre Capital programme.

The Bioprocess Innovation Suite is expected to be completed in Summer 2022. For updates and our newsletter, visit Bioprocess Innovation Suite or contact olivia.mcauliffe@teagasc.ie