Prolific Machines Announces the Completion of Optogenetic Bioproduction at 200L, Marking the World’s Largest Demonstration of Optogenetics to Date

EMERYVILLE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Apr 17, 2025--

Prolific Machines, the Photomolecular platform leader, announced the world’s largest demonstration of optogenetics to date. The 200-liter run was completed at Prolific’s Emeryville, CA pilot production facilities by the company’s expert team of bioprocessing, optogenetic, hardware, and machine learning experts. Not only does this mark a significant scientific achievement, but supports Prolific’s ability to deliver commercial-scale biomanufacturing solutions to prospective partners, from early-stage biotechs to leading pharmaceutical makers.

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The production run also showcases the ability of Prolific’s light-inducible expression systems to precisely and reversibly control gene expression in mammalian cells. This presents a critical advantage for biologics manufacturing, especially with difficult-to-produce candidates. A Prolific-designed, plug-and-play illumination system was used to precisely control cellular activation with light. The company will continue to develop its closed-loop control systems to continuously monitor and adjust cellular activation based on real-time data. This data will also be used to determine optimal future run parameters.

“We started Prolific in 2020 driven by the deep belief that light is the best way to control biology. Less than five years later, thanks to our incredible team, we are not only proving that this is true, but demonstrating that it is possible at scale,” said Deniz Kent, PhD, Prolific Machine's Co-Founder & CEO. “This 200-liter milestone is really just the beginning. We are enabling a more efficient and effective biomanufacturing future driven by Prolific’s driverless bioreactors. The key is creating a shared language between the machines and the cells, which is light. We believe we can bring the same level of autonomy to biomanufacturing that driverless vehicles have brought to the automotive industry.”

The run is yet another major step taken by Prolific to commercialize molecular optogenetics, a novel technology that uses light-sensitive proteins to drive cellular behavior. These photoreceptors are sourced from light-sensitive organisms found in nature, like plants or bacteria, and are engineered into a target cell line to control any biological function. By delivering light in specific patterns, intensities, and wavelengths, Prolific can obtain precise and dynamic cellular control across any cell type.

“Not only have we transferred the ability to control cellular function with light from the research lab to commercial applications, we have now done this at scale,” said Maximilian Hoerner, PhD, Prolific Machine's Head of Optogenetics and a former PI in the space. “The implications for this are significant as we work to manufacture previously unproducible biologics candidates for partners and accelerate their ability to bring these to clinic.”

About Prolific Machines

Prolific Machines is redefining biologics manufacturing, offering solutions from benchtop to manufacturing scale. Founded in 2020, the Bay Area company’s pioneering Photomolecular platform brings together advanced optogenetic tools and proprietary closed-loop control capabilities to solve major protein production challenges for early-stage biotechnology and leading pharmaceutical partners. The company is on a mission to create a healthier, more sustainable tomorrow and is supported by leading investors, including Ki Tua Fund, the corporate venture arm of the Fonterra Co-operative Group; Breakthrough Energy Ventures; Mayfield; SOSV; In-Q-Tel; and others. Visit prolific-machines.com to learn more, and contact partners@prolific-machines.com to qualify for a risk-free manufacturability assessment.

Pete Czerpack, Head of Bioprocess Engineering at Prolific Machines, monitors 200L bioproduction across stainless-steel bioreactor and proprietary illumination hardware.

For the first time in 20 years, rain is expected to intrude on the Rose Parade in Southern California, a venerable New Year's Day event that attracts thousands of spectators and is watched by millions more on TV.

Storms caused Christmas week flooding, mudslides and other miseries across the region. Now comes a 100% chance of rain Thursday in Pasadena, the National Weather Service said.

“We try not to say that word around here,” joked Candy Carlson, a spokesperson for the Pasadena Tournament of Roses, the organization behind the 137th Rose Parade, which precedes the Rose Bowl College Football Playoff game.

Arctic air is meanwhile expected to blanket much of the eastern two-thirds of the country, the weather service said.

In New York City, forecasters predict temperatures in the low 30s Fahrenheit (around zero degrees Celsius), which is not unusual, when the ball drops in Times Square on New Year’s Eve. Light rain is possible in Las Vegas, where several casinos will be shooting fireworks from rooftops.

During Nashville's Big Bash, a New Year's Eve event at a park, temperatures will be in the low 30s when an illuminated music note drops at midnight in the Tennessee city. New Orleans will be in the mid-40s Fahrenheit (around 7 degrees Celsius) for a free concert and fireworks along the Mississippi River.

At the Rose Parade, it has rained only 10 times in the parade's history — and not since 2006, Carlson said.

Rare wet weather is unlikely to keep floats, marching bands, entertainers and others from participating. Carlson said people riding on floats will have rain gear if necessary, and tow trucks will be standing by in case of mechanical problems.

Spectators will need to prepare, too. Umbrellas are not allowed in parade seating areas that require tickets, though the ban doesn't cover people who simply line up along the nearly 6-mile (10-kilometer) route. Curbside camping — no tents — begins at noon Wednesday. Rain also is predicted that day.

“Last year's parade theme was ‘Best Day Ever!’ and six days later it was the worst," said Lisa Derderian, spokesperson for the city of Pasadena, referring to the devastating Eaton wildfire in Los Angeles County. “We want to start the new year on a high note. Hopefully Mother Nature cooperates with the weather.”

Confetti is released during a confetti test ahead of New Year's Eve celebration in Times Square, Monday, Dec. 29, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)

FILE - Marching bands perform along Colorado Blvd. in the 136th Rose Parade, in Pasadena, Calif., Jan. 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes, File)