Biosphere unveils UV-sterilized bioreactors with $8.8M funding boost

By Agroempresario.com

Biosphere, a biotechnology startup specializing in UV-sterilized bioreactors, has raised $8.8 million in seed funding, led by Lowercarbon Capital and VXI Capital. The Oakland-based company claims its technology significantly reduces biomanufacturing costs by replacing traditional steam sterilization with UV light. This innovative approach aims to cut capital expenditures, reduce maintenance, and accelerate sterilization processes.

In addition to the funding, Biosphere secured a $1.5 million contract with the U.S. Department of Defense to apply its bioreactor technology for select bioproducts. Co-founded in 2022 by materials scientist Dr. Brian Heligman and molecular biologist Arye Lipman, the company seeks to revolutionize industrial fermentation for bioproducts like enzymes and omega-3s.

Unlike conventional systems requiring costly steam sterilization, Biosphere's UV method kills contaminants effectively on non-porous surfaces, enabling the use of lower-cost materials such as HDPE instead of stainless steel. This innovation could transform bioeconomy sectors including nutrition, fuels, and green chemicals.

Dr. Heligman emphasized that their UV bioreactor represents a complete redesign of biomanufacturing systems, moving away from legacy infrastructure. "Our technology delivers 10x more value, making biomanufacturing more scalable and cost-effective," he stated.

Biosphere is transitioning from bench-scale validation to pilot-scale testing, collaborating with industry partners to refine its platform. As the company continues scaling, it remains focused on optimizing cost models and demonstrating the competitive advantages of UV sterilization for large-scale production.