uFraction8: Monika Tomecka’s Innovative Microfluidics Solution for Sustainable Biomanufacturing
- yanabijoor
- Jun 10, 2025
- 3 min read
Monika Tomecka, a geneticist with a PhD from the University of Sheffield, co-founded uFraction8 in 2017 with Brian Miller, a microfluidics expert (who understands how fluids operate at a really small scale), to tackle inefficiencies in biomanufacturing.
The company’s mission is to make biomanufacturing—producing products such as lab-grown meat, biopharmaceuticals, and microalgae-based products—more efficient, affordable, and environmentally friendly.
What is the problem?
The problem that uFraction8 targets is the high cost, energy waste, and low efficiency of traditional filtration methods used in biomanufacturing. Processes like making lab-grown meat or biopharmaceuticals rely on separating tiny biological particles, such as cells or proteins, from liquids. Conventional methods, such as centrifugation or membrane filtration, are slow, energy-intensive, and often result in the loss of valuable material during the process. For example, centrifugation can damage delicate cells, reducing yields, while traditional filters clog easily, necessitating frequent replacement and increasing costs. These inefficiencies make it challenging for industries to scale up sustainable alternatives, such as cultivated meat, which uses 96% less water and 90% less land than livestock, but struggles to compete with traditional agriculture due to high production costs.
What is the solution?
uFraction8’s solution is a microfluidics-based filtration system called the Laminar Flow Bioreactor (LFB). Unlike traditional methods that rely on spinning machines or porous membranes, the LFB uses precisely engineered microchannels to guide liquid through a continuous flow. This setup separates cells or particles based on their size and density without damaging them, achieving up to 10 times higher yields and using 75% less energy than conventional systems. The technology is scalable, meaning it is suitable for both small laboratory experiments and large industrial setups. It’s also versatile, handling a range of biomaterials, such as yeast for brewing, microalgae for biofuels, or cells for lab-grown meat. The system’s design enables it to run continuously, eliminating the downtime and clogging issues associated with older methods.
Why is it innovative?
What makes uFraction8 so innovative is its leap beyond traditional filtration. By adapting microfluidics—originally a lab-scale technology for manipulating tiny fluid volumes—for industrial use, uFraction8 has created a system that’s both high-precision and practical for large-scale production. The LFB’s ability to maintain cell integrity while cutting energy use sets it apart in industries where sustainability and cost are critical. The company’s focus on circular bioprocessing, where waste is minimized and resources are reused, aligns with global demands for greener manufacturing. Patents granted in the EU, US, and Japan protect this technology, ensuring uFraction8’s competitive edge.
What is the impact?
The impact of uFraction8 is already notable. Since its founding, the company has raised €7.1 million, including €4.1 million in 2025 from investors such as Foresight Group and Old College Capital, as well as receiving grants from Horizon 2020 and Innovate UK. This funding has enabled uFraction8 to test its technology in real-world applications, such as producing cultivated meat and biopharmaceuticals, which could reduce reliance on environmentally damaging livestock farming. The company’s work supports global food security, as lab-grown meat could address projected food shortages by 2030. uFraction8 has won eight national startup awards and was named a “One to Watch” by Nature Spinoff, signaling its growing reputation and recognition. Its collaboration with institutions like Łódź University of Technology and its expansion into Poland show its commitment to scaling globally.
What needs to improve?
While its technology has been proven at smaller scales, fully integrating it into large industrial systems remains a significant challenge. The 2025 funding aims to bridge this gap, but widespread adoption will require convincing conservative industries to adopt new methods. The upfront cost of installing uFraction8’s systems could deter smaller companies, so developing more cost-effective models or financing options might be necessary. Additionally, while the technology is versatile, it needs further testing across diverse biomaterials to ensure reliability for niche applications. Ultimately, uFraction8 could benefit from more substantial marketing efforts to raise awareness among potential clients in emerging fields such as synthetic biology.
Under Tomecka’s leadership, the company is transforming biomanufacturing with a groundbreaking filtration system that’s efficient, sustainable, and scalable. While its impact is already significant, overcoming adoption hurdles and expanding applications will be essential to realizing its full potential.
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