Scaling the manufacture of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) and their derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) for use in therapeutic products remains a major challenge in the field. Achieving consistent quality and yield requires precise control over cell attachment, expansion, and downstream processing. Interest in EV-based therapies is on the rise, as EVs can sometimes provide better stability, lower immunogenicity, and easier manufacturing than therapies using whole cells.

In this webinar, Dr. Marta Costa, Principal Scientist at the Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica (iBET), will present practical strategies for scaling MSC expansion and EV production using stirred-tank bioreactors. Drawing on over a decade of experience in developing bioprocesses for cell-based therapies across both academic and industrial settings, Dr. Costa will share insights into designing robust and scalable manufacturing workflows.

She will discuss how optimizing microcarrier-based culture systems and integrating upstream and downstream processes can improve manufacturing efficiency and consistency. The session will also highlight the application of process analytical technologies, including Raman spectroscopy, for real-time monitoring of critical parameters such as cell growth, viability, and nutrient levels, which enables improved process control and reproducibility.

Key Topics:

• Learn how to optimize microcarrier-based MSC expansion by improving cell attachment, colonization, and growth in stirred-tank bioreactors


• Understand how to determine optimal harvest timepoints by monitoring cell growth and metabolic indicators during bioprocessing


• Explore scalable strategies for isolating MSC-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) to improve yield and process efficiency


• Discover approaches to maintain and assess the quality of both MSCs and their derived EVs throughout manufacturing