About This Project

I aim to democratize bioreactor systems by creating a lightweight, open-source SCADA (supervisory control and data acquisition) system. Bioreactors cultivate microorganisms or cells under controlled conditions, requiring sensors, pumps, and actuators to regulate variables like temperature, pH, and nutrient flow. This system will enable monitoring, data logging, and feedback control. Making automated bioreactors more accessible to researchers, startups, and labs worldwide.

Ask the Scientists

What is the context of this research?

This project addresses the lack of accessible, affordable bioprocess automation tools in plant biotechnology, critical for tackling global challenges like food security and climate resilience. Proprietary SCADA systems, essential for monitoring and controlling variables like pH, temperature, and nutrient flow, are prohibitively expensive, particularly for underserved regions. This open-source SCADA system leverages low-cost hardware (e.g., Arduino, Raspberry Pi) to democratize access to plant biotech tools, enabling real-time monitoring, process control, and data acquisition. Designed for affordability, transparency, and user-friendliness, it empowers educators, students, and researchers to engage in cutting-edge experiments. The project fosters inclusivity through multilingual support, comprehensive resources, and a global community, bridging the gap between technological innovation and equitable access in plant biology research and education.

What is the significance of this project?

This project holds significant value by democratizing access to transformative scientific tools, empowering researchers, educators, and students—particularly in underserved regions—to engage in cutting-edge plant biotechnology. By delivering an open-source SCADA system, it eliminates barriers to experimentation, fostering grassroots scientific exploration.

The project enables critical experiments to address pressing global challenges, including food security, sustainable agriculture, and climate resilience. It champions innovation, supports equitable education, and inspires a global community to advance plant biology. With a focus on affordability, transparency, and inclusivity, this initiative ensures that impactful research and education in plant biotechnology remain accessible to all, laying the groundwork for a more sustainable and equitable future.

What are the goals of the project?

The goals of this project are to develop a free and flexible system for automating bioreactors, lowering the barrier to entry for students, researchers, and scientists. By ensuring compatibility with a wide range of microcontrollers, sensors, and pumps, the project aims to work seamlessly with hardware users may already own. Collaboration with institutions like San Jose State University and Moss Landing Marine Lab will validate the software through real-world experiments, ensuring reliability and practicality.

A key goal is to support a student team in building a system that automates a bio-process and control it using this software. Additional goals include creating user manuals, translated accessibility. Finally, attending key conferences such as SLAS and LRIG will promote awareness and adoption of the system, enabling broader impact within the scientific and educational communities while fostering open-source collaboration.