Monday, July 27, 2009
P6

Development of a low intensity pulsed ultrasound device (LIPUS) for enhanced microbial productivity

Jian Zhang1, Jie Chen2, James Xing2, Woon T. Ang3, Yeping Xiong2, Bogdan Comanita4, and Steve Davies4. (1) Aberta Research Council, Vegreville, AB T9C 1T4, Canada, (2) University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2V4, Canada, (3) IntelligentNano Inc., Edmonton, AB T6G 2M9, Canada, (4) Apotex Fermentation Inc, Winnipeg, MB R3Y 1G4, Canada

Low Intensity Pulsed Ultrasound (LIPUS) is a form of mechanical energy which can penetrate living cells in the form of acoustic pressure waves.  This energy, generated by a novel programmable LIPUS device, has been shown in past studies to stimulate growth in tooth initials, stem cells and fungal mycelia. In vitro studies have demonstrated enhanced production of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) in submerged cultures of fungi.  This proof-of-concept design has the potential for use in industrial fermentation processes for enhancement of production of products such as drugs (APIs) by microbial cultures. In a cooperative effort with Apotex Fermentation Inc. (AFI), IntelligentNano Inc., the University of Alberta (UofA) and the Alberta Research Council (ARC), LIPUS transducers will be modified for use in conventional fermentation equipment with the intention of testing the applicability of the technology for commercial fermentation processes.  This innovative technology has the potential for development of customized, programmable LIPUS transducers to enhance fermentation processes in the pharmaceutical industry and in other fermentation-based processes.  The LIPUS technology holds the potential of giving companies like Apotex a competitive edge in the ever-changing global pharmaceutical marketplace by increasing productivity.