It has been one year since Planet B.io hosted the Let’s Talk Bio Scale-up event! Back then, we brought together five key scale-up frontrunners to share their insights on going from grams to tonnes and navigating the 'valley of death.'
Now, one year later, we reconnect with each of these frontrunners to learn how their organizations have progressed in the past year.
This week, we speak with Martijn Bekker, expertise leader microbial cell factories, from the Wageningen Food & Biobased Research (WFBR), who shares his 2025 improvements and is confident that the use of optical spectroscopy will mean a new way of working for industrial fermentation processes within the next few years.
Last year, you gave a presentation on 'Efficient microbial process optimisation and reproducible scaling' and the use of optical spectroscopy during fermentation for continuous process control. Has there been progress over the past year?
"Absolutely. We observed a strong need within the industry to better understand the challenges associated with scale-up. That is why we started a Public-Private Partnership with several parties to investigate whether Raman spectroscopy could be used to gain better understanding of their food fermentation processes. Initially it was challenging interpreting the Raman data, but by using advanced algorithms, we managed to obtain relevant information on sugar and acid concentrations. We recently shared our latest results on LinkedIn: we are now able to measure the biomass, glycerol, and methanol concentrations online using Raman spectroscopy.
This means that a fed-batch process, which is usually difficult to control, can now be executed in a much more controlled manner. For example, by monitoring the methanol concentration in real time, you can immediately adjust your feed accordingly."
Improved process control sounds promising – but what does it mean for my process?
"Better process monitoring and control not only improves process performance, but also allows you to move closer to continuous processing. Continuous processes have many advantages, including reductions in CAPEX and OPEX. In other words, running a continuous process can bring both yield and cost benefits."
How do I know if optical spectroscopy is applicable in my process?
"At WFBR, we develop the technology and also have the infrastructure to test it. We have bioreactors ranging from 0.5 - 6 litres available for hire at an attractive daily rate, as well as larger reactors with a working volume of 25 and 100 litres. The Raman probes can also be rented with the bioreactors, allowing you to test whether Raman spectroscopy is suitable for your process."
Does a company need to have the knowledge and skills to operate a fermenter?
"Not necessarily. The aim is that there is a low-threshold for anyone to carry out a process in our facilities. Support is available at various levels, from operator guidance to fermentation expertise. We can help with theoretical knowledge, Design of Experiments (DoE) setup, process optimisation, and data interpretation. This is provided at a transparent cost structure and it gives immediate insight into the added value of Raman spectroscopy in fermentation processes.
Ultimately, our goal is to optimise industrial processes through process monitoring and control, but we understand that not every company has the required expertise or capacity. That is why we are here to provide support."
“By combining online analytical technologies with advanced machine learning algorithms, every industrial batch becomes a learning opportunity. Thereby transforming large-scale production into a continuous stream of actionable data, enabling ongoing process optimisation at scale.”
How is the availability of downstream processing (DSP) equipment organised within WUR?
"The bioreactors and their rental are coordinated by the Shared Research Facilities (SRF) team at WUR, but there is much more research equipment available for rent (see WUR Research Equipment Platform (WURREP)). Advanced research equipment and facilities for (innovative) research and process development require significant investment not only in acquisition and maintenance, but also in developing the knowledge and expertise required to use them. Through the Shared Research Facilities concept, this equipment along with the associated expertise can be flexibly rented on a pay-per-use basis, making it easy to for example test different technologies."
Looking to the future: what do you hope to tell me next year?
"In a few years, I expect the use of optical spectroscopy to become thé standard in industrial processes!"
That’s a bold statement!
"Yes, but I am convinced that spectroscopy will work on an industrial scale and improve processes. In Q2 2026, we will start pilot testing with a partner who has been fermenting at industrial scale for years. I cannot reveal the partner’s identity yet, but it is one of the Top 10 Food Manufacturers! I have very high expectations for this collaboration.
What final message would you like to share with the readers of this article?
"By combining online analytical technologies with advanced machine learning algorithms, every industrial batch becomes a learning opportunity. Thereby transforming large-scale production into a continuous stream of actionable data, enabling ongoing process optimisation at scale.
At WFBR, you can not only explore this technology but also test it directly in a practical environment, with tailored support and access to high-quality equipment. All information is available via WUR Research Equipment Platform (WURREP) and for specific monitoring questions, you can contact us at martijn.bekker@wur.nl."