Screening for Optimal Growth Conditions of Pichia Pastoris using the micro-Matrix platform

Pichia pastoris is currently one of the most effective systems for heterologous protein production. In a controlled environment bioreactor this yeast is able to achieve very  high cell densities  which improves overall protein yield. The micro-Matrix,  Applikon’s 24 micro-bioreactor platform, was used throughout this study to assess optimal growth conditions. In the micro-Matrix system the orbital shaking speed,  pH values, range of temperatures and dissolved oxygen concentration was evaluated for P. pastoris fermentation.  By using the micro-Matrix, optimal conditions for P. pastoris growth with YPD medium in batch phase, were experimentally determined: pH of 5.5, temperature of 26°C and 50% of dissolved oxygen (dO₂).  With these parameters the highest biomass was achieved. We can conclude that m-Matrix constitute an optimal system for screening and testing different culture conditions.