13-20: Automated, parallel bioreactor systems for rapid selection of microbial strains and scalable process optimisation

The use of small scalable mimics of industrial fermentation processes provide a valuable approach to accelerate bioprocess development, reducing development cycle times and overall costs and enabling experimental programmes not otherwise feasible. Such programmes, including the screening of increased numbers of strains concurrently in multiple processes, feed programme development and optimisation, and Design of Experiments studies increase the likelihood of identifying improvements significantly enhancing economic returns faster.

TAP Biosystems are currently carrying out development trials of two automated, parallel fermentation systems: ambr™ (10-15ml), a well established system for cell culture applications now being applied to microbial applications, and the ambr 250™ system which provides microbial culture at 100-250ml.

ambr™ combines automated feeding and sample collection with  up to 48 disposable stirred, sparged 10-15ml bioreactors each having individual control of DO and pH. Trial data will include examples studies of system performance, including tight process control, consistency of replicate cultures, scalable results for growth growth and productivity, and application performance such as strain ranking.

The ambr 250™ system is a new development providing full control of DO, pH, temperature and multiple feed lines for up to 24 bioreactors in a single system. Combining the high levels of control required for microbial process development at 100-250ml scale with exhaust gas monitoring, automated sample collection with a fully disposable bioreactor the system is designed for high-throughput, rapid turnaround facilities. Data for E.coli and Pichia culture demonstrates scalability of growth and productivity, to 3L and 30L systems.