Article · Volume 60, Issue 4 · pp. 1523–1531

Development of an AI-Powered Virtual Lab for Pharmaceutical Fermentation Education

Yanping Li¹, Feng Li¹, Weiwei Zhuo¹, Xiaomeng Zhang¹, Hongjie Wu², Lihu Zhang¹

¹Department of Pharmacy, Jiangsu Vocational College of Medicine, Yancheng, CHINA.
²Department of Electronic and Information Engineering, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, Suzhou, CHINA.

Abstract

Aim/Background: This study aims to develop an AI-enhanced virtual lab framework. It addresses the high costs and operational risks of traditional biopharmaceutical fermentation engineering education. The proposed solution integrates virtual simulations, real-time parameter optimization, and adaptive learning tools to provide scalable vocational training.Materials and Methods: A quasi-experimental study was conducted with 100 participants, comparing an AI-powered virtual training group against a conventional training control group. The framework incorporated dynamic simulation models, AI-driven process optimization, and real-time performance feedback.Results: The AI group demonstrated significant improvements, including a 35.4% increase in product yield (88% vs. 65%) and a 57.3% reduction in fault resolution time (3.5) 3.5 n, and real-time performance. The framework reduced reliance on physical equipment while enhancing training efficiency through immersive simulations and real-time skill assessment.Conclusion: The AI-powered virtual lab effectively bridges the gap between technical education and industrial biomanufacturing demands, offering a cost-effective, scalable, and adaptive solution for vocational skill development in fermentation engineering.

Keywords: Artificial Intelligence; Pharmaceutical Biotechnology; Fermentation Engineering; Virtual Simulation; Adaptive Learning; Vocational Training

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