The fed-batch process is the workhorse of recombinant protein production. Traditionally, the seed train for fed-batch processes is operated in batch mode. Introducing perfusion in the seed train can increase productivity and alleviate bottlenecks. High-cell-density perfusion in the N-1 bioreactor can be used either to seed larger bioreactors or to seed the fed-batch bioreactor at a higher cell density, which shortens production time at maintained titers.
In this study, we developed a successful N-1 perfusion process applying a cell-specific perfusion rate (CSPR) of 40 pL/cell/d throughout the process. As a result, the cells grew exponentially to 70 to 95 × 106 cells/mL in the rocking bioreactor, and 179 × 106 cells/mL in the stirred-tank bioreactor.
Join the discussion on how these strategies intensify fed-batch processes and how they impact process economy.
