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The value of measuring and regulating dissolved CO2 levels in cell culture is rapidly growing in acceptance. Traditional methods of at-line and off-line CO2 measurements are common, but do not allow the necessary real-time monitoring that can result in process improvements.
The alternative, continuous measurement directly in bioreactors with in-line CO2 sensors, can lead to significant gains in both productivity and final-product quality.
In "5 Ways In-Line CO2 Sensors Improve Bioprocessing" you'll find stories of how biopharmaceutical companies can implement in-line CO2 measurements into their bioreactors to achieve better control of their process development, scale-up and production processes.
CO2 measurement and control is important in cell culture as excess levels can be toxic to the cells and can affect the quality of protein products. Specifically, as aerobic mammalian cells grow they consume nutrients and O2 and excrete CO2, ammonia and lactic acid. As cells continue to proliferate, the concentration of excreted byproducts increases and can lead to an overall drop in pH, which is unfavorable for further cell growth. In addition, dissolved CO2 can easily enter cells where it affects the intracellular pH and directly influences important cellular processes.
Low CO2 levels in the bioreactor can also be detrimental as sufficient CO2 is required for certain metabolic processes. Maintaining CO2 in the optimal range can therefore increase yield and shorten fermentation time.
Normally, dissolved CO2 measurement is done using a blood gas analyzer, a time-consuming process that requires a lot of technician effort, particularly for the large number of biocontrollers that may be operational at in a research and development or process development department or facility. Real-time measurements from in-line CO2 sensors provide a reliable and easy-to-use alternative to these off-line methods.
This guide explains how cell culture bioprocessing using in-line CO2 sensors can increase productivity, allow faster scale-up during process development, and provide greater understanding of cell culture growth phase.
Stories in the guide include:
- How management of CO2 accumulation can increase productivity
- How in-line CO2 sensors can support process development from the benchtop to production vessels
- How CO2 can be used to help monitor respiratory efficiency.
Download the guide, "5 Ways In-Line CO2 Sensors Improve Bioprocessing" to learn more.
