An automated bench scale multiple fermentor unit system to optimize recombinant protein production

Progress in genomics have led to a large increase in potential, interesting therapeutic molecules. This emphasized the need for miniaturized high-throughput cultivation tools both for screening purposes and producing recombinant proteins. Designed by Pasteur Institute and engineered by FOGALE nanotech, the biopod f800 is the ideal bench scale, multiple fermentor unit system for rapid process optimization and protein production at mini scale.

Easy handling Multiple parallel cultivation system

The development of the biopod f800 arises from the need to find a compromise between limited control and easy handling of shake flask compared to fully controlled and complex handling of conventional bioreactors.
Compact, integrated and modular, the biopod f800 can be configured to run up to 8 parallel cultures with fermentation parameters programmed independently.

High yields of recombinant protein production

As a result of excellent oxygen transfer rates, the yields of biomass and recombinant protein produced in an 80-ml bioreactor batch process, using a high cell density medium, are the same or higher than those obtained from a 1-liter culture grown in a shake flask with classical medium (e.g. LB medium).
Biopod f800 cultures routinely achieve O.D600nm of 50 to 90, and 10 to 150 mg/culture of soluble recombinant protein, depending on cultivation protocol and construct expressed. On average, the recombinant protein levels produced are somewhat higher in the biopod f800 cultures than in the 1-L shake flasks cultures.

On line turbidity monitoring

The device comprises unique features such as a non-invasive turbidity sensor, able to provide a reliable estimate of the biomass over a wide range of turbidity without interfering with the culture.

Fully automated process for low soluble protein production

The non-invasive turbidity sensor allows a wide range of on line control strategies controlled by cell density such as programmed fast temperature shifts and automatic induction. Temperature control is performed by independent Peltier elements, enabling very fast temperature shifts of 5-10 °C per minute. A significant improvement in soluble recombinant production is often achieved by inducing expression after automated shifting of the culture to a low temperature between 14 to 18°C. Cultivation parameters are controlled locally and by the B.O.S.S view software, both were developed by FOGALE nanotech, in collaboration with fermentation microbiologists, emphasizing useful tools and functions, providing clear displays and intuitive handling.

Scale-up from biopod f800 to conventional fermentors

Owing to rigorous monitoring and control of culture parameters, and by using the same high-density medium in different production scales, conditions optimized for 80-mL biopod f800 bioreactors are readily transposed to conventional 1.6-L or 20-L fermentation units for scaling up cultivation processes and recombinant protein productions.