Bühler showcases Stellar technology to transform bioprocessing across industries

Bühler Group recently launched Stellar technology, a cutting-edge innovation designed to improve bioprocessing efficiency across a wide range of industries, including biotechnology, cellular agriculture, and food production. Developed in collaboration with ETH Zurich, Stellar technology leverages nanosecond pulsed electric fields (nsPEF) to enhance cellular activity without genetic modification. This adaptable and scalable solution supports both small-scale and industrial applications, offering faster, more sustainable processes for businesses seeking to optimize production.

Stellar technology has the potential to significantly impact biotechnology by enabling faster and more efficient bioprocessing. The Stellar Gemini system, tailored for laboratory and pilot-scale use, allows companies to conduct proof-of-concept trials and optimize processes within weeks. This rapid development cycle supports applications ranging from high-value biopharmaceuticals to cellular agriculture, addressing the increasing demand for sustainable and innovative solutions.

Professor Dr Lukas Neutsch, Head of Bioprocess Technology at the Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW), highlighted the versatility of Stellar: “Stellar is an enabling technology with disruptive potential in bioprocessing. Its retrofit concept provides versatile implementation options, from cellular agriculture to high-value biopharma plants.”

The ability to efficiently scale processes from lab to industry aligns with the growing global demand for bioproducts while minimizing resource consumption and waste.

Bühler has partnered with leading research institutions to demonstrate Stellar’s capabilities and advance its application in emerging fields. In 2022, Bühler introduced the Stellar Gemini system to the Singapore-ETH Centre’s Urban Microalgae Protein project laboratory. This collaboration aims to enhance the efficiency of microalgae processing, a key component in sustainable urban food systems.

Dr Iris Haberkorn, project lead at the Singapore-ETH Centre, emphasized the importance of Stellar technology: “The Stellar technology will help us deliver industry-relevant results to improve the eco-efficiency and productivity of microalgae supply chains by establishing a pulsed electric field (PEF)-based biorefinery.”

The project reflects Stellar’s adaptability and its potential to transform diverse bioprocessing applications, from sustainable food production to the efficient use of renewable resources.

Sustainability is a core focus of Stellar technology, which enables industries to meet increasing demand while reducing environmental impact. By streamlining cellular processes, Stellar minimizes resource use, optimizes energy consumption, and supports the creation of sustainable supply chains.

For example, the application of nsPEF enhances process efficiency and reduces waste in cellular agriculture, making it a valuable tool for companies focused on sustainable protein production. Additionally, the scalability of Stellar technology allows businesses to integrate its solutions seamlessly into existing infrastructures, accelerating their transition to more sustainable operations.

“Stellar technology represents a significant step forward in making bioprocessing methods not only more efficient but also more sustainable,” said Leandro Buchmann, Head of Bioprocessing at Bühler.

One of the standout features of Stellar technology is its scalability and ease of integration. The modular design ensures compatibility with existing systems, allowing businesses to upgrade their operations without extensive infrastructure changes. Stellar Gemini is particularly suited for labs and pilot facilities, enabling them to refine processes before scaling to full industrial production.

The technology’s compact design and pre-defined specifications make it an accessible solution for organizations of varying sizes. By providing a streamlined pathway from research to large-scale manufacturing, Stellar supports companies in meeting growing demand for bioproducts while maintaining operational efficiency.

“Our focus is on delivering technology that meets the needs of diverse industries, from food production to pharmaceuticals,” Buchmann added. “Stellar’s flexibility and scalability are central to its value.”

As global populations grow and resource demands increase, the need for innovative, efficient production methods has never been more urgent. Stellar technology offers industries a way to bridge the gap between sustainability and scalability, ensuring that production processes can adapt to meet future challenges.

By enabling faster, more efficient cellular processes, Stellar contributes to the development of solutions in biotechnology, cellular agriculture, and sustainable food production. Its ability to reduce energy consumption, enhance productivity, and integrate seamlessly into existing systems positions it as a key tool for addressing some of the most pressing issues facing global industries.