The ability to investigate feed strategies tailored to real-time cell metabolism, i.e. with feedback control based upon residual metabolite levels, is key to the development of state-of-the-art upstream processes. In this poster, we report the development of a flexible and completely automated system capable of evaluating different metabolic-based feed strategies simultaneously across eight bioreactors.<br/><br/>After assessing available automated sampling systems from vendors across the industry, we selected the system that was clearly the best fit for our development/operations lab. The implementation of the selected system enables automated sampling of both cell-free and cell-containing retains from eight bioreactors, delivery to integrated analyzers, and control of nutrient feed pumps.  The system is capable of feedback control for complex feed strategies that incorporate data inputs from the integrated analyzers.  The system also aliquots refrigerated sample retains.  The system collects data from the integrated analytical systems and combines into customizable data file(s) for efficient data extraction.<br/><br/>Since the installation of our automated sampling and control system, we have evaluated capability for at-line process monitoring and nutrient feed control, across eight bioreactors at a time, for standard 3-L glass and single-use bioreactors. We have demonstrated equivalence between automated cell count and metabolite data versus manual sampling and off-line analysis. Utilizing our automated system, we have successfully evaluated various feed strategies based upon three different metabolites to date (glucose, glutamate, glutamine).

Implementing automated sampling, process monitoring, and nutrient feedback control for a system of 3-L bioreactors

251st National Meeting (2016)

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