Biobanks are evolving entities. A decade ago, Simeon-Dubach and Watson published work describing the ‘evolution’ of biobanking through 3 phases [1]. After each phase, biobanking is determined to have advanced to a better state as measured by the number of samples handled (1.0), the quality of samples and research supported (2.0), and finally the financial/social/operational efficiencies provided to stakeholders (3.0).
The nomenclature used is defined by the ‘Industrial Revolution’ (IR) framework which describes 4 periods of transformation from localised mechanisation (1.0), mass production (2.0) through to systemization and automation (3.0) (Table 1) [2]. We are currently in the IR phase 4.0 where cyber-physical systems have become the norm, aimed at empowering individuals through new modes of data-driven infrastructure, information technology (IT) architecture, big data, artificial intelligence (AI), and autonomous systems. Following Simeon-Dubach and Watson’s paradigm [1], biobanking will evolve into Industry 4.0 guided research infrastructure creating capabilities for high-throughput data mining, processing, packaging, and distribution. This facilitates the implementation of data-driven and digital technologies, distributed systems and the subsequent personalisation of tasks, actions and benefits.
The utilization of biospecimens in research often acts as a harbinger for change to our research culture. Biobanking 4.0 will lead to research infrastructure that is integrated within advanced analytics pipelines, which drives transformative change in how biospecimen benefits research through advanced analytics including data mining, machine learning, AI, natural language learning and predictive modelling. As we consider the emergence of Biobanking 4.0 we can consider what factors will determine its success by considering the advancements in other industries that have been recognised as evolving through the IR4.0 sectors (Table 1).
- Lessons from Banking 4.0: Biobanks as Distributed Systems.
Financial services have seen banking transactions shift from local branches to evolve into system that facilitate digital transactions over a blockchain using cryptocurrency and distributed ledgers (4.0) [3]. Biobanking 4.0 will therefore see less large-scale centralised repositories and the emergence of specialist tissue handling services that integrate within biotechnology ecosystems to generate -omic level, digitally enabled data. Emphasis will shift from storage of biospecimens to their distribution with the speed and magnitude of the data they generate being the ultimate measure of success.
- Lessons from Laboratory 4.0: Biospecimens as Sources of Data
Completely digitised and networked laboratories have evolved that record data seamlessly through systematic automation, robotics and digitisation [4]. Biobanking 4.0 will recognise biospecimens as the source of complex, high quality and high throughput biodata, shifting our purpose from handling tissue to being distributors of “data products” derived from those samples thus creating a dynamic opportunity for informatics research and enquiry.
- Lessons from Education 4.0: Biobanks as Centres of Learning
Education 4.0 marks the shift away from class room based didactic teaching to digitally inspired, remote and distributed information delivery that is tailored to the individual student [5]. With Biobanking 4.0, facilities will focus on how biospecimen-derived digital products generate enquiry, understanding and knowledge discovery. Success in the Biobanking 4.0 era will emphasise quality in different contexts such as Interoperability of our systems and data integration that is required for data-heavy techniques including AI.
- Lessons from Healthcare 4.0: Biobanks drive Knowledge Discovery
Healthcare 4.0 defines the shift from the physician-centric medical information to personalised care that sees digitally enabled technology empower patients through access to big data, virtual and augmented reality, Internet-of-Things, and nanotechnology [6]. Biobanking 4.0 will employ advanced analytics to customize biospecimen handling, create data services for specific research needs which not only enhances the relevance and value of biobanked samples but requires biobanks to engage directly within emerging digital health networks.
Industry 4.0 is a revolution that changes entire systems. It rapidly embraces new technologies and values digital data, creating processes that are interconnected and allow innovative IT solutions. The Biobanking 4.0 era represents the necessary maturation of our industry, with the shift into the digital world that will impact where biobanks are placed within our research ecosystems. The expectation will be that if the biobanks are to survive, its not the number of samples stored that matters. Rather, what matters will be dynamic system where biospecimens generate digital data that feed complex computational analytics and must generate new knowledge.
*For Correspondence: daniel.catchpoole@uts.edu.au
References
- Simeon-Dubach D, Watson P. Biobanking 3.0: evidence based and customer focused biobanking., Clinical Biochemistry 2014;47(4-5):300-8.
- Klingenberg C, Artunes J. Industry 4.0: what makes it a revolution? Technology in Society 2022;70:102009
- Mehdiabadi A, Tabatabeinasab M, Spulbar C, et al. Are We Ready for the Challenge of Banks 4.0?: Designing a Roadmap for Banking Systems in Industry 4.0. International. J. Financial Studies 2020;8:32.
- Gauglitz G. Lab 4.0: SiLA or OPC UA. Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry, 2018;410: 5093-5094.
- Mukul E, Büyüközkan G. Technological Forecasting and Social Change Digital transformation in education: A systematic review of education 4.0. Technological Forecasting and Social Change 2023;194:122664.
- Li J, Carayon P. Health Care 4.0: A Vision for Smart and Connected Health Care IISE Transaction Healthcare Systems Engineering 2021;11(3):171–180.
Author Acknowledgement
Both authors contributed equally to the conceptualization, writing, editing and reviewing of this letter to the editor.
Conflict of Interest Disclosure
Neither author has any conflicts of interest to declare.
About the Author
Dr. Daniel Catchpoole is a Professor at The School of Computer Science, Faculty of Engineering and IT, University of Technology Sydney, and the Head of biospecimen research at The Children's Hospital at Westmead. He has 20+ years full-time laboratory research experience into the molecular basis of paediatric malignancies and has extensive experience with the analysis of gene expression as well as cellular and molecular applications associated with research into acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. He is also a Past-President of ISBER.
Hanh Vu, MD, PhD, MBA
Dr. Hanh Vu is a clinician and global health advocate with deep expertise in biobanking, clinical microbiology, and medical informatics. She serves as the Indo-Pacific Rim Regional Ambassador for ISBER, where she has shaped regional biobanking policies and led key initiatives across Asia and Oceania since 2015. Currently holds an honorary appointment at the University of Technology Sydney and faculty member at the University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vietnam National University, Dr. Vu supports research and graduate training in biospecimen science and clinical research. With a multidisciplinary background and a strong international presence, Dr. Vu continues to champion biobank-enabled research and international collaboration to strengthen biomedical innovation and pandemic preparedness in the Indo-Pacific region.
