Automated imunoanalysis systems for monitoring mammalian cell cultivation processes

Real-time monitoring of protein secretion in mammalian cell fermentation: measurement of monoclonal antibodies using a computer-controlled HPLC system (BioCad/RPM)

On-line, "real-time" monitoring of product concentration is important for mammalian cell culture fermentation. The continuous measurement of monoclonal antibodies allows for instantaneous determination of cell productivity and effective manipulation of the fermentor operating conditions for optimal production. This article will present the evaluation and application of a BioCad/RPM system (Per Septive Biosystems) for rapid analysis of lgG concentration for hybridoma cell cultivation. Several commercial crossflow filtration devices are tested for low protein retention and fouling properties. A protein G column is used successfully for analyzing about 400 samples of lgG(1), without significant loss in separation efficiency. The Immuno Detection system is integrated into a computer-controlled 15-L fermentor. This fermentor could be operated in batch and perfusion modes with cell densities up to 20 million cells/mL. A continuous cell-free sample stream obtained by a hollow fiber filter system is introduced to the BioCad/RPM for analysis. The speed of this system allows for real-time monitoring even at high densities with fast dynamics. A murine hybridoma cell (A10G10) is cultivated in batch and continuous reactors and antibody concentration is measured continuously with complete sterility. The results are compared to offline measurements with good agreement.

Fast on-line flow injection analysis system for IgG monitoring in bioprocesses

An automated immunoassay, with one affinity component immobilized on a solid surface, has been developed to monitor the production of different immunoglobulins during mammalian cell cultivation processes. The whole analysis device is based on the principle of flow injection analysis (FIA) and a cartridge with the immobilized affinity component is implemented into the FIA system. This cartridge is filled with a carrier material to which protein G is covalently bound. After sample injection, binding of the IgG on the protein G within the cartridge takes place while after a washing step, the IgGs are eluted by a pH shift, and the IgG concentration is monitored via fluorescence. In the automated immunoassay, undiluted cell free samples from the reactor or from down-stream processing can be analyzed directly. Due to the separation the IgG can be detected without interference from other sample components by protein fluorescence. The results are obtained with analysis times below 6 min. Sample volumes of less than 100 microliters may be used. The assay is sensitive to concentrations from 5 up to 500 micrograms ml-1. Using this FIA-System, immunoglobulins G, produced in different media, were successfully monitored. The results of the assay were validated by ELISA.

Automation of selective assays for on-line bioprocess monitoring by flow-injection analysis

On-line analysis of one component in a complex media used for bioprocesses requires the application of selective tests such as enzymes assays. Because these assays are susceptible to interference by other medium components and have a limited detection range, automatic sample pretreatment is a prerequisite. The progress made with automatic sample pretreatment in flow-injection analysis makes this technique particularly suitable for on-line monitoring of bioprocesses. Moreover, newly developed software control systems may improve the necessary robustness of flow-infection analysis systems.