Upstream Process Development
The Bioprocess Development Laboratory is equipped with both laboratory-scale and pilot-scale systems to optimize the production conditions for target bioproducts. These systems facilitate the controlled cultivation of various host cells, in volumes ranging from 10 mL to 10 L. The lab supports bioprocess development using both adherent and suspension cell lines at various scales. Notable equipment in this laboratory includes:
Infors Shaking Incubator: A high-capacity incubator with temperature, CO2, and humidity control, featuring a 25 mm orbital shaking diameter. It can accommodate up to six 5-liter flasks simultaneously and includes a cooling feature, making it suitable for insect cell cultures (e.g., Sf9). Non-invasive methods are used to monitor pH and dissolved oxygen levels during culture.
Multi-Magnetic Stirrer System: Ideal for faster bioprocess development or small-scale cell culture studies, this system is compatible with 500 mL and 3 L Corning spinner flasks. It provides alternative culture systems suitable for various host cell types, thanks to different stirrer designs.
Applikon Bioreactor System: A 3-liter glass tabletop bioreactor, optimized for mammalian cell cultures. Environmental conditions can be monitored and controlled via the myControl automation system, ensuring optimal growth conditions.
Cytiva Xcellerex XDR 10 Bioreactor System: This is a 10-liter single-use stirred bioreactor designed for mammalian cell cultivation. Sterile connections are maintained through tube fuser and tube sealer systems. The bioreactor is used for scaling up processes to larger systems (50 L and 200 L) and is suitable for process optimization and validation before technology transfer to GMP production facilities.
Downstream Process
The downstream bioprocess equipment enables the processing and purification of biological materials, from laboratory scale to pilot scale, to obtain the target products. Some of the key equipment in this laboratory include:
Avanti JXN-26 Centrifuge: A high-performance centrifuge system used for the clarification of large-volume cultures. Its high capacity ensures efficient separation of biological materials, making it ideal for processing large batches.
Merck Millipore Cogent® µScale Tangential Flow Filtration (TFF) System: This system is designed for the separation, buffer exchange, and concentration of biomolecules. It is equipped with filters that provide filtration areas ranging from 50 cm² to 264 cm², allowing it to process volumes between 16 mL and 1 L. The system offers an easy-to-use and efficient solution for filtration processes.
Cytiva ÄKTA Pure 150 Chromatography System: Used for the purification of biological products such as proteins and viruses, this system features a modular design in both hardware and software. This modularity allows for the rapid and efficient development of methods tailored to the target product, ensuring high-quality purification.
Auxiliary Equipment: A variety of auxiliary equipment is available in the laboratory to support downstream processes, essential for the successful purification of target molecules. These tools enhance the efficiency and precision of purification steps.
