MiCRA’s has access to TU Dublin's pilot‑scale capabilities, which provide industry with a practical, flexible, and scientifically robust environment to trial new processes, validate technologies, and fast‑track product development. Supported by TU Dublin expertise and MiCRA’s advanced analytical infrastructure, the pilot plant bridges the gap between laboratory research and commercial‑scale deployment, giving industry a low‑risk, high‑value platform to innovate.

Our focus is on delivering rapid, reliable, and data‑driven solutions across diagnostics, bioprocessing, bioconversion, pharmaceutical, and food sectors. Whether you’re evaluating new materials, exploring microbial processes, or validating production‑scale concepts, MiCRA provides the capabilities, equipment, and scientific insight to move ideas into real‑world feasibility.

Pilot Plant Capabilities

MiCRA and TU Dublin’s rapid‑testing platforms are applicable to the bioanalytical sensing of molecules and microorganisms, supporting diagnostics, pharma, and food innovation. These rapid sensing technologies also meet the emerging needs of the bioconversion industry, enabling:

• Screening of key organisms
• Valorisation of side‑streams
• Rapid and in‑line quantification of metabolites, intermediates, and end‑products

This ensures faster iteration, deeper process understanding, and earlier detection of performance bottlenecks.

Pilot‑Scale Infrastructure

Our pilot plant includes scalable systems for fermentation, downstream processing, and formulation development, ideal for feasibility studies, process optimisation, and product validation.

Bioprocessing & Fermentation

• Fermenters from 2–100 L with full PLC control
• Media‑preparation and harvest‑tank systems
• CIP (Cleaning‑in‑Place) and SIP (Steam‑in‑Place) capability for hygienic processing

Separation, Purification & Concentration

• Ultra‑ and micro‑crossflow filtration systems for microbial, protein, and metabolite separation
• Downstream processing equipment for large‑scale protein and metabolite purification
• Lyophilisation (freeze‑drying) capability for stabilising sensitive biomolecules

Formulation & Finishing

• Technology for developing creams, liquids, tablets, and powders
• Supporting equipment including:
  • Centrifugation
  • Dissolution testing
  • Rheometry
  • Granulation and sieving
  • Tabletting systems

These capabilities enable MiCRA to support everything from fermentation‑based ingredients and bioactives through to final‑dose forms.

Enhanced by MiCRA’s Advanced Analytical Tools

Pilot‑plant processes are supported by MiCRA’s high‑end analytical instrumentation, enabling real‑time optimisation and rapid troubleshooting.

Key equipment includes:

• Ion Chromatography – Dionex ICS‑6000 for tracking ionic species, nutrients, and fermentation by‑products 
• FTIR, NIR & FT‑Raman Spectroscopy – Bruker Alpha II, MPA II, MultiRAM for fingerprinting raw materials, monitoring bioconversion progress, and verifying final product composition
• TGA‑IR‑GC/MS Suite – PerkinElmer for profiling volatiles, analysing breakdown products, and characterising formulation stability 
• Flow Cytometry – CytoFlex S for rapid microbial quantification, viability assessment, and bioprocess monitoring
• Synergy H1 Multiplate Reader for enzyme activity assays, metabolite quantification, and biomarker screening within bioprocess workflows
• Autolab Potentiostat for evaluating electrochemical biosensors and monitoring redox‑active compounds during bioconversion

Supporting Industry R&D and Upskilling

Alongside project delivery, the pilot plant supports:

• In‑house operator and technician training
• Professional development programmes
• Hands‑on R&D skill building for industrial teams

This ensures that companies not only develop innovative products but also build internal capability for long‑term success.

Partner With MiCRA

Whether you’re optimising a bioprocess, validating a new ingredient, developing a bio‑based product, or troubleshooting manufacturing challenges, MiCRA’s provides the expertise, infrastructure, and analytical power to accelerate your progress.