Recognizing Innovation in Global Life Sciences and Biotechnology
HINGHAM, MA, NOVEMBER 19, 2024 ‒ At Sunflower Therapeutics, we’re on a mission to make protein production more accessible, efficient, and cost-effective, and it’s exciting to see our efforts recognized! We’re thrilled to announce that our Daisy Petal™ Perfusion Bioreactor System has been named “Lifescience Manufacturing Solution of the Year” in the fourth annual BioTech Breakthrough Awards. This prestigious award celebrates innovation in the life sciences and biotechnology industries, and we’re honored to be part of such an exciting and transformative space.
What Makes the Daisy Petal™ So Special?
So, what exactly is the Daisy Petal™, and why are we so excited about this award? The Daisy Petal™ is our cutting-edge, fully automated, benchtop bioreactor system designed for continuous protein production. Unlike traditional systems, the Daisy Petal™ is a fermentation platform that operates in a completely unique way – through perfusion.
Simplifying Protein Production for All
The Daisy Petal’s™ simplicity also sets it apart. Whether you’re a seasoned bioprocessing expert or just getting started, our HelianthOS™ software guides users through every step of the process – from setup and fluid engagement to inoculation and protein harvesting. The system is designed to deliver high yields with minimal training and expertise, making it easier for researchers and microbiologists to achieve consistent results, even if they’re new to perfusion fermentation.
For researchers working in fields like drug development, synthetic biology, or diagnostics, Daisy Petal™ makes it possible to produce secreted proteins or small molecules continuously and remotely – without any babysitting required. It’s a versatile solution for cultivating yeast, bacteria, fungi, or other microorganisms, and it also supports the optimization of fermentation processes through Design of Experiments (DoE) studies.
Transforming the Protein Bioeconomy
As our Founder and CEO, Dr. Kerry R. Love, put it, “The Daisy Petal™ was built to produce as much protein as a bigger reactor for a fraction of the size and cost. It’s designed to help achieve R&D goals in drug development, synthetic biology, or reagent production – without the need for bioprocessing expertise.” Our goal is to lower the barriers to protein production, thereby democratizing biomanufacturing, and helping to transform the global protein bioeconomy to improve health outcomes around the world.
Scaling Up with Ease
The best part? Daisy Petal™ isn’t just for small scale R&D labs. We also offer the Dahlia Petal™ Perfusion Bioreactor System which takes you seamlessly from small-scale research to larger-scale production. This system enables scaling from lab experiments to pilot-scale manufacturing, all while reducing contamination risks and offering the flexibility of single-use components. It’s a game-changer for anyone looking to scale up their biomanufacturing efforts without the hefty overhead costs of traditional systems.
BioTech Breakthrough Honors
The BioTech Breakthrough Awards program conducts one of the most comprehensive evaluations in the life sciences and biotech sectors. This year, thousands of nominations came in from 14+ countries, with BioTech Breakthrough recognizing the best solutions and products shaping the future of biotech. According to Bryan Vaughn, Managing Director of BioTech Breakthrough, the Daisy Petal™ is a “revolutionary, scalable, and accessible solution for microbial protein production.” He added that the Daisy Petal™ simplifies continuous fermentation through its pioneering in-vessel perfusion technology, making it easier to collect more data, test key process parameters, and ultimately produce larger quantities of proteins and cells.
Looking Ahead
Winning the “Lifescience Manufacturing Solution of the Year” award is just the beginning for Daisy Petal™ and our team. We’re committed to continuing to drive innovation and providing solutions that are both powerful and accessible. At Sunflower Therapeutics, we believe in a future where protein production is not limited by expensive infrastructure or complex expertise, but instead it is available to researchers, companies, and organizations working on the next breakthrough in medicine, synthetic biology, and beyond.
Thank you to BioTech Breakthrough for this incredible recognition, and to everyone who has been part of the journey. We’re just getting started!