Design and Implementation of a Predictor Feedback CO₂ Controller in an Automated Cell Culturing System

Automation has revolutionized scientific research, particularly in cell culture, where it enhances efficiency and minimizes variability. Traditional cell culture faces challenges, often leading to stress-induced cell senescence. To address these challenges, we are developing an enclosed, automated system with a robotic fluid handling system and 60 independent bioreactors. Aiming for clinical applications, the system is required to maintain tight environmental control for optimal cell culture conditions. This paper reports on the development of the control system for maintaining the gaseous carbon dioxide $\left(\mathrm{CO}_{2}\right)$ concentration within the enclosed system. In particular, we develop a predictor feedback CO
2
controller to regulate the CO
2
concentration. A baseline traditional feedback controller is also implemented for comparison. This work contributes to advancing automated cell culture systems, emphasizing the importance of precise environmental control for higher-quality cell cultures. The developed predictor feedback CO
2
controller offers a promising control solution to reducing stress-induced variations and will be suitable for clinical applications.