Research Services

Overview

Esco Aster provides contract research and early development services, equipped with a full suite of in vitro and analytical tools. Our offerings include testing reagents, enzymes, media supplements, growth factors, resin testing and complete cell culture media. We conduct testing starting from small-scale 2D cultures and extending to larger formats such as shake flasks, adherent bioreactors, and suspension bioreactors.

Esco Aster’s contract testing services are built upon well-established protocols for culturing various adherent cells, encompassing mesenchymal stromal cells, pluripotent stem cells, fibroblasts, keratinocytes, and their derivatives like extracellular particles and exosomes. We are adept at handling genetically modified cell therapies , notably CAR-T/Immune cells, ensuring comprehensive support across advanced cellular research and development. 

Morever, we have demonstrated our expertise in large-scale production techniques with our ability to culture pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) in aggregates using a 500-liter single-use bioreactor for cultivated meat applications. Our capability with collaborators in creating CHO/HEK293 Cell Research Banks further bolsters the production of biopharmaceuticals (e.g. erythropoietin, checkpoint inhibitors, bispecific antibodies) and can be used for contract services.

Research Services on Cultivated Meat

Esco Aster stands as the world’s first licensed Cultivated Meat facility accredited by the Singapore Food Regulatory Body and FSSC 22000. Our expertise lies in the development and testing of tailored solutions such as cell culture media, bioreactors, and bioedible scaffolds for cultivated meat applications. 

Making significant strides in the food technology industry, Esco Aster can also produce small batches of cultivated meat using research-grade cells that are not for consumption. These are intended for the following:

1. Biomass for Cell-Based Meat Food Formulation

      • Raw Ingredient: Biomass as a foundational ingredient for cell-based meat food formulation.

      • Sensory Food Evaluation: Utilizing sensomics as biomimetic of six (6) taste profiles, correlating to human taste, as a substitute for actual consumption. This enables machine learning-based food formulation.

2. Advanced Analytical Techniques

     • High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) : For identifying and quantifying various components in food products.

     • Gas chromatography-olfactometry (GC-O) and electronic noses (e-noses) : To replicate the human olfactory system in assessing food quality by detecting, measuring volatile compounds, and providing a detailed analysis of food aroma.

     • Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS) and biopolymer-based sensors (e-tongues) : Leveraging cutting-edge technology for detection and analysis of the chemical composition of food by providing a comprehensive taste profile

3. Bioinks for 3D Bioprinting

     • Bioinks Cell Mass: Providing inputs for testing 3D bioprinting and tissue engineering of cultivated meat.

Research Services on Regenerative Medicine

In the field of regenerative medicine, we also provide independent testing services for bioprocess and cell therapy cultureware, culture bags, and innovative tools like biomedical scaffolds, covering services for cell adhesion and proliferation, seeding density optimization, harvesting techniques, and scaffold dimensions.

Our Analytical Tools

Analytical tools play a pivotal role in CRDMO laboratories by ensuring the quality, safety, and efficacy of products. These tools encompass a wide range of instrumentation and techniques that are essential for various stages of product development and manufacturing.

Some of our analytical tools include:

  • Bioanalyzers
  • Chromatography System
  • Nanoparticle Analyzers
  • Cell Counters
  • Cell Imaging Tools and Analyzers
  • Microplate Readers
  • PCR Machines
  • Spectrophotometers
  • Western Blot Imaging System
  • Quantification and Sizing Tools
  • Other analytical tools from partnered laboratories (usage charge per hour)

Our Completed Projects

Enzyme Testing

Trypsin
  • Esco Aster has tested the performance of trypsin and conducted comparison studies on its influence on the efficiency of influenza virus production in Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cell culture. Viral titers were obtained through 50% tissue culture infectious dose (TCID50 assay for infectious titre) and digital polymerase chain reaction (dPCR for physical titre).
Dissociation Enzyme
  • Esco Aster has tested the performance of dissociation enzymes and conducted comparison studies in human embryonic kidney (HEK293) cells, bone-marrow derived mesenchymal stromal cells (BM-MSCs), and MDCK cells. These studies quantified and compared the efficiency of cell release, cell clumping, cell viability, and cell re-adherence.

Testing for Growth Factors (GF)

Insulin
  • Esco Aster has tested the performance of insulin and conducted comparison studies for insulin in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell culture growth, and human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) growth.
Interleukin
  • Esco Aster has tested the performance of interleukin (IL2, IL4, IL7) in T-cell activation
  • T cell phenotyping was conducted using flow cytometric techniques.

Cell Culture Media / Media Supplement Testing

Media and Supplement for T Cell Culture and CAR-T
  • Esco Aster has evaluated the performance of media for T cell culture by quantifying and analyzing cell number, cell viability, and T cell phenotypes.
Media and Supplement for Cultivated Meat
  • Esco Aster has tested the performance of media for bovine myoblast and chicken fibroblast cell line growth and differentiation in both 2D and 3D cultures, including the analysis of cell surface markers.

Resin Testing

Resin for AAV Purification
  • Esco Aster produced Adeno-Associated Viruses (AAVs) to conduct experiments in evaluating the efficacy of resin in separating full and empty viral particles. The quantification of AAV is performed using Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA), digital Polymerase Chain Reaction (dPCR), and combination dynamic light scatttering, static light scattering and ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy technology (Stunner).

Testing of 6-well Plate

6-well Plate with Coating for T cell Activation
  • Esco Aster has tested the performance of coated 6-well plates for T cell activation

WHY CHOOSE US ?

Our team possesses extensive experience and knowledge in the field, with a strong emphasis on GMP compliance.

We provide tailored research services to meet your specific requirements.

We utilize advanced technology, the latest equipment and analytical tools.

Our well-established protocols ensure reliable and consistent test results.

We offer a wide range of services to support your research needs.

Our networks allow us to be a channel partner for our collaborators for future commercial sales, projects, and needs.