New cell transportation research partnership takes off
ARU is collaborating with Life Science Group on project funded by Innovate UK
Left-right: Jody Chatterjee - Innovate UK; Jenny Murray – LSG MD; Hira Ahmed, LSG Lab supervisor; Dr Hussein Al-Ali –ARU; Ben Hooson - ARU; Professor Chris Parris – ARU
Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) is working with Bedfordshire-based Life Science Group (LSG) to investigate a new way of handling and transporting cells for use in science and health research.
The project, known as a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP), aims to build on LSG’s current work and is co-funded by the UK’s innovation agency, Innovate UK.
Amongst LSG’s products is CellShip®, which enables the safe transportation of multiple cell types at ambient temperature. This offers a new alternative to cryopreservation, which involves freezing in liquid nitrogen.
ARU researchers will apply advanced molecular biology and biochemical techniques to study how different cell types interact with CellShip®, as well as another LSG product called CellSplit®, which is a solution to detach cells to be used in experiments.
The goal is to optimise the formulation of these products for wider applications, potentially transforming how biological materials are handled and shipped globally.
A dedicated Translational Research Scientist will be appointed to lead the work, bringing together ARU’s academic knowledge with LSG’s commercial expertise.
The partnership has the potential to reduce the waste, cost and the environmental impact of handling and transporting biological materials compared to using cryopreservation.
“I am excited to start this partnership with ARU. With their academic excellence and LSG’s proprietary media and commercial expertise, we expect this collaboration to develop several innovative media formulations that support the transport of diverse cell types at ambient temperature.
“This would not only have a significant logistical and environmental impact but would also greatly benefit the cell and gene therapy space. I look forward to sharing our data at the various conferences we plan to attend. All I can say is, watch this space!”
Dr Leonie Wilson, Research and Laboratory Manager at LSG“We are delighted to partner with Life Science Group on this KTP project. This collaboration represents a unique opportunity to bridge our academic research with LSG’s industrial application to develop novel cell transport technologies that address major challenges in cell-based research and therapy logistics.
“The ability to maintain viable cells at ambient temperatures could transform how biological materials are distributed globally, reducing costs, waste and environmental impact. Through this partnership, we aim to advance sustainable solutions that strengthen the UK’s leadership in life sciences and cell therapy sectors.”
Dr Hussein Al-Ali, Senior Lecturer in Biomedical Science at ARU“I am truly excited that LSG is being supported by Innovate UK for its third transformational KTP project, this time with ARU’s School of Life Sciences, to develop and optimise its innovative and sustainable animal-free media for ambient cell transport and cell detachment. This project, I am sure, will emulate and even enhance on the very successful and outstanding previous KTP projects. I am looking forward to being their Knowledge Transfer Adviser again on their new journey.”
Jody Chaterjee, Knowledge Transfer Adviser for Cambridge, Bedfordshire, North London, and East and South Northamptonshire at Innovate UK