DowpharmaSM complements the next generation in microbial expression technology, Pfēnex Expression TechnologyTM, with the throughput capacity of Applikon µ-24 bioreactors to offer a faster route to optimal process development. Pfēnex Expression TechnologyTM, a Pseudomonas-based system, enables customers to express their recombinant protein or peptide reliably and cost-effectively.

Dowpharma^SM uses factorial design in performing fermentation development at the 1 liter and 20 liter scales and in fully capable mini-bioreactors. Applikon µ-24 micro-bioreactors have proven themselves essential tools for parallel exploration of process variables as part of this factorial approach.  Fermentation throughput capacity enables Dowpharma^SM and their clients to avoid the time-consuming step of establishing a base process with each project. Statistical design is used in every process development project to achieve a rational and efficient approach.

High Throughput Fermentation and Cell Culture Device

24 controlled bioreactors on 1 microtiter plate

Various research programs require that multiple microorganisms should be grown
with high throughput under a variety of carefully controlled-state conditions.
Additionally, recombinant clones will also require culture under controlled conditions
at high levels of expression, high throughput and fast production turn-around. These
endeavors require technology to
a) grow specific biomass under well-characterized states
b) rapidly identify optimal culture conditions for expression of tagged
proteins and complexes
c) rapid scale-up to obtain necessary protein samples
d) express intact protein complexes
e) grow microbial cells in nonstandard conditions.

To meet these challenges, Applikon Biotechnology presents the design and function
of a micro-reactor system with parametric controls comparable to agitated bioreactors.

The micro-reactor system is designed as a high throughput with controlled
environment instrument. Furthermore this type of system can be used to enhance the
throughput in complex, but routine, workflows.

The system designed is a bench-top, computer-controlled micro-bioreactor system.
The µ-24 uses a disposable cassette (SBS standard) with 24 individually controlled
10 ml (total volume) reactors. Each reactor has independent control of temperature,
pH, and dissolved oxygen.

A laptop computer controls the system. Data are logged, current situation per
parameter presented on screen and trends followed (screen).

To date, users have successfully cultivated the following
√ Escherichia coli
√ Saccharomyces cerevisiae
√ Bacillus subtilis
√ Shewanella oneidensis MR-1
√ Aspergillus nidulans
√ Trichoderma reesei
√ Aspergillus oryzae
√ Chinese Hamster Ovary Cells
√ Cell-free expression
√ Pseudomonas fluorescens