Biochemistry analyzer for the modeling and control of mammalian cell culture processes

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This research proposal aims at the acquisition of a biochemistry analyzer capable of providing rapid and simultaneous measurements of key metabolites in mammalian cell cultures. The requested equipment is intended primarily to support research focused on improving the development and control of mammalian cell culture processes. Mammalian cells are increasingly being used for the manufacture of high-value biopharmaceuticals products such as monoclonal antibodies, viral vaccines and hormones. The growing demand for high volume products is driving the need to improve the productivity and cost efficiency of cell culture processes. Despite progress in the field, significant challenges remain to achieve desired product quality and increase the yields. The proposed research aims at understanding and characterising the cellular metabolism and physiology, as a basis for the development and control of cell culture processes. The methodology relies heavily on the ability to sensitively and rapidly measure important bioprocess variables. By addressing unmet quantification needs, the analyzer will be crucial for the realization of the research project. This research is expected to bring a significant contribution to the field of animal cell technology and have an impact on the development of bioprocesses at all scales of operation, from the small amounts required for preclinical studies through to bulk manufacture. Advances in this area of research will contribute to help eliminating the bottleneck in the development of biotherapeutics, thus impacting positively on the health of Canadians and the Canadian biopharmaceutical industry. The instrument was also selected for its potential to support on-going and new emerging mammalian cell culture research activities at Ecole Polytechnique in promising areas such as tissue engineering and biomedecine. Its availability will also positively impact the training of students by providing them with hands-on experience on state-of-the-art equipment.