Partnership with Sartorius Stedim Biotech will enhance the Center of Excellence in Industrial Biotechnology at Penn State University.

The Center of Excellence in Industrial Biotechnology (CoEIB) at Penn State University provides a focal point for Penn State’s programs in the area of industrial biotechnology, including the development of research and educational initiatives focused on biopharmaceutical manufacturing, the production of bio-based chemicals and fuels and food biotechnology. 

A recently announced partnership between Penn State and Sartorius Stedim Biotech will enhance the Fermentation Facility within the CoEIB and advance multidisciplinary teaching and research in biotechnology at the university.

Sartorius will provide state-of-the-art fermentation technologies and a central laboratory within the Fermentation Facility, which will be named the Sartorius Fermentation Gallery. “The Fermentation Facility is one of ten core facilities in the Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences and the cornerstone of Penn State’s comprehensive biotechnology effort,” according to the university. Sartorius and other companies have been involved in the design and equipment of new lab space for over a year. The CoEIB itself was launched recently with a gift from CSL Behring. 

“Biotechnology has implications for the medicines we take, the food we eat, the fuel we fill our cars with and more, but researchers working and students training in this area require world-class facilities and equipment in order to move this field forward,” said Peter Hudson, director of the Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences and Willaman Professor of Biology. “I am grateful to Sartorius for providing state-of-the-art equipment that will drive innovation for years to come.” 

Added O. Richard Bundy III, Penn State’s vice president for development and alumni relations: “We are grateful to Sartorius for their commitment to and investment in biotechnology at Penn State. Sartorius is a global leader in research and manufacturing technologies in the field of biotechnology. Their support will enable Penn State to provide an environment that closely matches what is available in today’s premier research and manufacturing facilities, further elevating the University’s leadership position in this rapidly growing field.”

For Sartorius, the partnership provides an opportunity to create a hub that will promote innovation in biotechnology.