Torben Bruck, Diane Retallack, Pfenex Inc, San Diego, USA
Eric Burden, John Betts, Barney Zoro, Sartorius (TAP Biosystems), Royston, UK
Early stage development of biosimilars in microbial culture requires screening of many genetic and process conditions in a rapid and resource efficient manner. However, current early stage models such as shake flasks and deep well plates may not accurately predict large scale culture performance, as limitations in control and feeding prevent operation at high density. Recently a new ambr® automated micro bioreactor system has been developed and we present new data investigating the capabilities of the system to act as an early stage, high cell density model for microbial processes.
The system controlled key process parameters well, including critical events such as automated feed and induction. Four strains screened in parallel showed high replicate consistency, clear resolution between strains and alignment with 2L bioreactor results. This new automated micro bioreactor provides a high cell density fed-batch fermentation platform predictive of 2L bioreactor performance, and is therefore suitable for early stage screening for a range of genetic constructs and process conditions.