BioRevolution #7 - Digital Twins in the Lab

As we look at the digitization processes from today's perspective, we can observe the transition from traditional physical storage methods to silicon-based cloud systems. Additionally, we've moved from physically published scientific journals to those that are now available online. I discussed the journey from silicon-based cloud systems to bio-based data storage in the "DNA Data Storage " issue.

It's misleading to assume that technological advancements have reached their pinnacle and that no further progress can be made. When considering digitization in laboratories, there is still a long way to go. Claiming that we have reached the final stage of laboratory digitization based on current life and technological conditions would be a significant mistake. If you are a subscriber to my newsletter and have become passionate about being surprised with each new issue, I doubt you will fall into this mistake.

In our last issue, we addressed digital twins from the perspective of healthcare ; in this issue, we will explore their use in laboratories. I believe that the greatest benefit of digitization in laboratories is effective time management. I often hear from my colleagues in the scientific community, "I need to go to the laboratory to check on my samples." But what if you could control it remotely? What if you could simulate an experiment before conducting it?

Let's get started!

Scientific Perspective

Digital twins are revolutionizing laboratory environments by creating virtual simulations of physical experiments. This technology enhances experimental accuracy, optimizes processes, and accelerates scientific discovery, allowing researchers to simulate and predict outcomes with unprecedented precision.

Digital twins in laboratory settings serve as exact virtual replicas of biological systems, chemical reactions, or physical processes. By integrating real-time data from sensors, historical experimental data, and predictive analytics, these models provide a virtual testing ground that mimics and forecasts the behavior of complex systems under various conditions.

The creation of digital twins for laboratory use begins with the collection of comprehensive data sets, including all variables from the experimental setup. This involves data from laboratory instruments, environmental monitoring, and biochemical or physiological data. Advanced algorithms and machine learning techniques are then used to construct and refine these digital models.

In the realm of scientific research, digital twins hold tremendous potential. They can significantly accelerate the pace of discovery by allowing for rapid hypothesis testing and optimization of experimental conditions, thereby reducing the time and resources typically required for traditional research.

Integrating digital twins with laboratory information management systems (LIMS) and automation tools allows for seamless data flow between physical and virtual systems, enhancing the responsiveness and adaptability of experiments.

Implementing digital twins involves ensuring data integrity and addressing ethical considerations around the reliance on simulated data. Maintaining accuracy in simulations is crucial to their success and acceptance in scientific research.

Control Configurations and Experimental Modes:

In the realm of digital twins in laboratory settings, a variety of configurations are employed to adapt the experiments to different educational and research needs:

Virtual Experiments: These experiments utilize completely virtual setups, where both the apparatus and the processes being controlled are simulated. This mode is highly beneficial in scenarios such as flipped classrooms, where students can independently conduct experiments on their own devices, enhancing their understanding through hands-on virtual practice.

Abstract Experiments: In this configuration, the physical processes or biological systems being studied are real, but they are manipulated through a virtual interface. This setup is ideal for introductory courses in disciplines like computer science, where students can observe the immediate impacts of their inputs on real systems, making abstract concepts more tangible.

Real Remote Experiments: This mode involves real equipment and processes that are operated remotely. It is particularly suited for distance learning or situations where physical presence in the lab is limited. Students can perform experiments in real-time via network connections, gaining practical experience with actual laboratory setups.

Implementation Test Experiments: Here, the experimentation involves real control interfaces interacting with simulated processes or systems. This mode is crucial during the learning phases in vocational training, allowing students to test and refine their control strategies without the risk of damaging real equipment. It serves as a bridge between theoretical knowledge and real-world application, providing a safe environment for trial and error. [... ]

??Video Suggestion

The basics of Workflows, Assistants, and cloud-based data record. - Artificial, Inc.

Market Perspective

Firstly, I would like to say that we have stepped into a fantastic area. I mention this because, although writing this article was quite challenging in terms of resources, I managed to complete it by taking advantage of the extensive use in other industries (especially automotive and smart factories). When it comes to looking at the market, finding startups in any area has never been this challenging. The reason for this is not a lack of marketing by the startups but rather the scarcity of startups in this field. When I did find these startups, I did not hesitate to engage in brief dialogues with their CEOs, telling them that their enterprises are as precious and rare as pearls in the ocean. Now, let's examine these pearl-like startups.

Startup Ecosystem:

1.Artificial

California, USA based company

Founded in 2017

Artificial, Inc. is a cloud-based software platform that enhances the efficiency of life science labs by integrating with any lab instruments and databases, providing a single control layer. It enables labs to manage and monitor their operations in real-time, facilitates the capture of AI-ready data, and maintains human oversight. This platform supports rapid advancements in fields like gene therapy and pandemic response by leveraging AI and machine learning technologies. Artificial aims to be a comprehensive lab management tool, connecting hardware, software, people, and data.

*Artificial raises $21M led by M12, Microsoft's Venture Fund ?for a lab automation platform aimed at life sciences R&D

2.Blynksolve

Dublin, Ireland based company

Blynksolve focuses on enhancing pharmaceutical manufacturing processes through its digital knowledge twin platform. This platform allows manufacturers to build a comprehensive and easily understandable model of their manufacturing processes, which helps in reducing errors, enhancing clarity, and improving efficiency. The platform aims to address industry challenges such as siloed knowledge and communication barriers, thereby enabling faster time to market and greater employee engagement. Blynksolve's solution is particularly designed with the nuances of pharma manufacturing in mind, embodying a people-centric approach to integrate people, processes, and technology effectively.

*Blynksolve named Innovator of the Year at the Pharma Industry Awards 2023

3.LabTwin

Berlin, Germany based company

Founded in 2018

LabTwin is the leading smart lab assistant that revolutionizes data capture and management in scientific workflows. It offers a hands-free, mobile solution that allows scientists to capture and process data in real time, reducing interruptions and minimizing errors. The platform seamlessly integrates with existing lab informatics systems, enhancing workflow efficiency with a user-friendly voice interface. Additionally, LabTwin's integrated AI automatically organizes and categorizes data, facilitating easy access and efficient management within laboratory environments.

* BCG Digital Ventures , Plug and Play Tech Center , and Sartorius have invested in LabTwin.

??Blog Suggestions

by Peter Blennerhassett , Blynksolve

by Célia Gasselin , LabTwin

Future Perspective

• Ever since I started writing on the topic, one of the most making me exciting advantages of using digital twins has definitely been the expansion of international collaboration. Imagine you have a study on an endemic species in Turkey and you collaborate with a scientist living in that region. Whether you are in the US, Japan, or Australia, you will have the opportunity to work shoulder-to-shoulder (virtually??) with your partner. This is just one of countless examples from a boundless world of science where distances are no longer a barrier (Global scientific community!).
• Imagine a research world where you can get remote support from the leading experts in your field. They can connect to your laboratory and assist you wherever you encounter difficulties or get stuck. This will provide a dual benefit: the person conducting the study can receive consultancy from an expert in the field, and experts can offer consultancy from any distance, providing them an additional source of income. Of course, these are my future perspectives, and sometimes I can get a little carried away??.
• Thanks to digital twin labs, universities will be able to educate more graduate and doctoral students. By reducing (not completely eliminating, at least not yet) the dependency on physical locations, they can accommodate more students. More trained scientists mean more scientific research and more progress.
• An increase in pandemics is expected. Even in situations like pandemics that force us to stay at home, scientific studies will be able to continue. This will help prevent a slowdown in scientific advancements in other fields due to the effects of the pandemic.

?? SUBSCRIBE TO MY LINKEDIN NEWSLETTER

If you liked this newsletter article, I hope you'll consider being a regular subscriber. ??

Just scroll up to the very top and click that SUBSCRIBE button.

We will be together again in two weeks with our new topic. If you guess the next topic, write it in the comments.

See you beyond Digital Twins :)