Researchers from the Institute of Bioprocess Engineering and Pharmaceutical Technology at the University of Applied Sciences Mittelhessen have made strides in chemoorganotrophic electrofermentation using Cupriavidus necator. By experimenting with different redox mediators, they identified ferricyanide as a key player in enhancing anodic respiration. With the INFORS HT Multitron providing precise environmental control, the team achieved remarkable current densities, offering a promising solution to the challenges of oxygen-driven fermentation systems.

Researchers from the University of Delaware, Departments of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering and Electrical and Computer Engineering have made strides in enhancing the resilience of Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells used in biopharmaceutical production. By employing the INFORS HT Multitron incubator shaker, they exposed CHO cells to stress conditions commonly encountered during manufacturing, such as elevated levels of ammonia, lactate, and osmolality. Through comprehensive transcriptomic analysis, the team identified 199 genes exhibiting bistable expression, with seven emerging as prime candidates for engineering stress-resistant cell lines. This research holds promise for optimizing cell health and boosting productivity in large-scale bioreactor operations.

Gene therapy is a promising approach for treating various genetic disorders and diseases. A critical component of gene therapy is the production of viral vectors, which serve as delivery vehicles for therapeutic genes. Human Embryonic Kidney 293 (HEK293) cells have become a widely used platform for viral vector production due to their efficiency in transfection and ability to support viral replication. However, optimizing HEK293 cell cultures for large-scale production of viral vectors remains a challenge in making gene therapies more accessible and cost-effective.

Maintaining a sterile environment is essential in bioprocess laboratories, particularly when working with sensitive cell cultures or microbial samples. Contamination not only jeopardizes experimental results, but it can also lead to costly downtime and wasted resources. In this first installment of our Back to Basics blog series, we focus on the role of UV decontamination in incubator shakers and how it serves as an effective risk mitigation strategy.