Using Process Mass Spectrometry for Multipoint Analysis in Biological Production

In recent years, the use of online process analytical technology (PAT) in the biotechnology industry has become a preeminent endeavor.

Since the start of the 1980s, numerous fermentation scientists have utilized the reliability of Thermo Scientific™ Process Mass Spectrometers to monitor the composition of gas streams into and out of fermenters and bioreactors.

When taking the first steps towards process control, it is not atypical for some to think that the only effluent required is the measurement of carbon dioxide and oxygen and that enough accuracy can be achieved by discrete measurement technology. It would be wrong to make assumptions.

Due to external biological factors – trees and people – that inevitably change the input to the instrument air system, the variability of sparge gas remains consistent. The all-pervasive twin-tower desiccant dryer systems will also either regurgitate or absorb CO₂ depending on their position in the regeneration cycle.

To facilitate an accurate pre-screening for potential contamination, only a precise comparison of effluent and sparge gas is appropriate. What is more, an accurate comparison is also necessary to calculate information in real-time regarding culture respiration and the availability of nutrients.

For suitable control, the minimum requirements are as follows:

• All gas components must be measured
• Automatic calibration of all components
• Flexible analysis schedules and techniques
• High accuracy is needed to calculate meaningful metrics
• Local support
• Measurement of sparge and effluent gases
• Operational reliability and simplicity

Figure 1. Typical benchtop bioreactor. Image Credit: Thermo Fisher Scientific – Environmental and Process Monitoring Instruments

Source: Thermo Fisher Scientific – Environmental and Process Monitoring Instruments

Taking the first steps towards advanced process control

A fully instrumented fermenter is exhibited in the process diagram. In order to track a wide range of process variables in real-time, both liquid and gas-phase measurements are provided.

These data are input into the advanced process control (APC) system, which typically includes hybrid models comprised of neural (nonlinear) network models and formal (linear) models.

The APC system provides the set-points for numerous variables, which include sparge content and flow, control of nutrients and amino acids, in addition to the conventional variables of temperature, pressure, agitation and pH.

This diagram demonstrates the optimal situation for process scale-up and understanding, but there is a detailed amount of complexity and expense associated with this expansive technique.

The more common technique is to add a multi-stream mass spectrometer due to it offering a considerable amount of extra value with minimum risk and moderate cost. The Thermo Scientific™ Prima PRO has the capacity to monitor 60+ fermenters without compromising sterility.

For smaller-scale fermenters that are configured with 15 samples and six calibration ports, the Prima BT is a good bench-top solution. The complete gas composition measurements supplied by both models are both accurate and easily incorporated into the APC system.

Great improvements in process control can be rapidly achieved rapidly within one or two days of a start-up.

Figure 2. Fully instrumented fermentor. Image Credit: Thermo Fisher Scientific – Environmental and Process Monitoring Instruments

Supplying value during every stage of product development

Advanced instrumentation is necessary for the complicated manufacturing processes which are intrinsic to biotechnology in order to optimize the clear path to the final product. Mitigating risk throughout the scale-up process is the key to increasing profits.

The Prima PRO and Prima BT process mass spectrometers offer the speed and accuracy required to monitor process dynamics reliably and facilitate timely corrective action.

The Prima platform technology helps bring products to market more quickly, enhance yields and increase profits - and offers a fast return on investment, from research and development to the final product.

Acknowledgments

Produced from materials originally authored by Thermo Fisher Scientific

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Process Analytical Technology (PAT) is a regulatory framework initiated by the United States’ Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that encourages pharmaceutical manufacturers to improve the process of pharmaceutical development, manufacturing, and quality control.

PAT aims to improve process efficiency by defining Critical Process Parameters (CPP) and monitoring these CPPs to stay within a defined limit, either in-line or on-line to maintain a product’s Critical Quality Attributes (CQA). Monitoring CPPs with process mass spectrometry gas analysis reduces over-processing, pinpoints contaminants, and increase product consistency. Learn More

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