Driving innovation in personalized medicine requires a blend of groundbreaking technology, strategic partnerships, and an ideal environment to nurture growth. For Skroot Laboratory, located in the Iowa State University Research Park, these elements converge to fuel their mission of developing cutting-edge tools that enable the scalable production of personalized cell therapies, a promising frontier in medicine.
Revolutionizing Cell Therapy Manufacturing
Skroot Laboratory is pioneering solutions for use in the production of biological medicines, focusing specifically on personalized cell therapies. The name “Skroot” stems from a Polish term meaning “shortcut,” perfectly capturing the company’s mission of streamlining manufacturing processes that are often labor-intensive, time-consuming, and inefficient.
At the heart of their innovation is a contact-free sensor technology that eliminates the need for manual sampling during the cell expansion process. These sensors, which integrate seamlessly into cell culture vessels, provide real-time data on cell growth and readiness for harvest. According to Nigel Reuel, President and Founder of Skroot and the Stanley Chair in Interdisciplinary Engineering in the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering at Iowa State University, the technology addresses a critical pain point in the industry.
“Personalized cell therapies are a new paradigm of medicine,” Reuel says. “Unlike traditional mass-produced drugs, these therapies are tailored to individual patients by reprogramming their own immune cells. This process requires precision and adaptability, as every patient’s cells grow at different rates depending on factors like age and health. Our sensors offer a reliable, scalable way to monitor this variability without disrupting the cells.”
The company’s partnership with Minnesota-based Wilson Wolf has been instrumental in advancing this technology. Wilson Wolf’s G-Rex vessels are widely used in the industry for cell therapy manufacturing, and Skroot’s sensors are being evaluated for integration into the next generation of these vessels. This collaboration aims to reduce contamination risks, optimize resource planning, and significantly lower production costs—bringing personalized medicine closer to the mainstream.
A Thriving Ecosystem for Innovation
The Iowa State University Research Park has been a cornerstone of Skroot’s success, providing a supportive environment that allows the team to focus on refining their technology rather than logistical distractions.
“One of the great benefits of being here is how lean we’re able to operate,” says Aidan Shervheim, Product and Operations Manager at Skroot. “The Research Park takes care of everything from snow removal to cleaning bathrooms, which might seem small, but it frees up our team to concentrate entirely on product development. They’re more than a landlord—they’re a true partner.”
Beyond operational support, the proximity to Iowa State University offers unparalleled access to talent and expertise. Every member of Skroot’s current team has ties to the university, with many starting as interns before transitioning to full-time roles.
“The ISU connection has been invaluable,” Reuel says. “Not only does it provide a pipeline of highly skilled individuals, but the loyalty and long-term vision of the people we hire here are unmatched. They’re invested in building something significant, not just for Skroot, but for the Ames biotech community as a whole.”
Building the Biotech Hub of the Future
The synergy between Skroot’s technological breakthroughs and the resources at ISU Research Park exemplifies the potential of public-private collaboration. With access to university facilities, partnerships with other biotech firms in the park, and a shared commitment to fostering innovation, Skroot is part of a burgeoning hub for biotechnology.
“There’s something incredibly rewarding about contributing to a growing biotech ecosystem right here in Ames,” says Shervheim, who has worked in a variety of positions at multiple companies based in the Research Park. “As a product of the Research Park myself, I’ve seen firsthand how it creates opportunities and drives progress. We want to pay it forward by reinvesting in this community as we grow.”
A Future Fueled by Innovation
Skroot’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of strategic focus and innovation. Their sensors are on track to revolutionize the manufacturing of personalized cell therapies, reducing costs and enabling broader access to life-saving treatments.
“We’re at the forefront of medicine’s next chapter,” Reuel says. “Right now, a dose of personalized cell therapy costs around half a million dollars, making it accessible to only a select few. Our goal, in partnership with Wilson Wolf, is to drive that cost down dramatically so that these therapies can become a viable option for millions of people.”
With a rapidly expanding market projected to exceed $100 billion by 2030, Skroot Laboratory is poised to lead the charge. Their mission to empower personalized medicine through innovative bioprocessing tools is not just about improving processes—it’s about changing lives.
“We’re building tools that will enable the future of medicine,” Shervheim says. “And it’s only the beginning.”