The 3D‑Cell‑Reader project, funded under the German “Photonik Forschung Deutschland” program with grant number 13N15031, ran from 1 November 2018 to 31 July 2022. Its aim was to create an optical, three‑dimensional multi‑parameter reader that would enable real‑time, non‑invasive monitoring of key physiological variables in 3D cell cultures used for the manufacture of cell‑based therapeutics. The consortium originally comprised CO.DON AG, Ibidi GmbH, Argos Messtechnik GmbH, the Institute of Physical Chemistry at the University of Potsdam, and PreSens Precision Sensing GmbH. After 30 April 2020 Argos and CO.DON withdrew, and the Swiss company InSphero AG joined as an associated, non‑funded application partner. PreSens carried the core responsibility for developing the readout system that could simultaneously measure up to four physiological parameters—oxygen, pH, CO₂, and glucose—within a 3D cell culture. In addition to sensor development, PreSens designed a dedicated light source and a software suite for data processing and visualization.

Technically, the project delivered a complete optical system comprising high‑resolution sensors, optoelectronic components, and an opto‑cell chip that together form the 3D‑Cell‑Reader. A key innovation was a spectrometer capable of faster spectral acquisition and higher resolution than existing devices, enabling rapid, spatially resolved measurement of the four target parameters. The system’s architecture allows simultaneous planar measurement and real‑time visualization of oxygen, pH, CO₂, and glucose concentrations over time, a first for 3D cell cultures. The integrated readout and analysis software processes the raw spectral data to produce quantitative maps of each parameter, thereby providing a comprehensive view of the cellular microenvironment without disturbing cell growth. Validation experiments demonstrated that the reader accurately tracks physiological changes during cell culture, confirming its suitability for process control in therapeutic production. By reducing error rates in production and enabling tighter culture monitoring, the 3D‑Cell‑Reader promises to lower manufacturing costs and increase capacity for patient‑specific therapies.

The consortium’s work was organized into five interrelated work packages. Work package 1 focused on conceptualizing the reader and defining component requirements. Work package 2 developed the advanced spectrometer; work package 3 built the 3D measurement system; work package 4 verified system performance in cell‑based applications; and work package 5 evaluated cell growth through simultaneous multi‑parameter monitoring. Throughout the project, PreSens led the sensor and light‑source development, while InSphero contributed application expertise, and the remaining partners supplied complementary hardware, software, and scientific validation. The project’s outcomes, including the first simultaneous, non‑invasive monitoring of four key parameters in 3D cultures, represent a significant step toward standardized, high‑throughput production of cell‑based therapeutics.