Cell culture perfusion processes are considered optimal for a truly integrated continuous biomanufacturing pipeline. The nutrient-rich but balanced media should be designed to support very low cell-specific perfusion rates (CSPR) that minimize media consumption while maximizing viable cell days and productivities. Optimized processes at low CSPR drastically reduce equipment costs, lab space, and product dilution. Finally, operating at very low CSPR will allow for mammalian cell bioprocesses to run as true chemostat cultures in the future.
In this study, we demonstrate a general workflow to develop high-performing perfusion media using small scale models and transfer the process to a 50 L scale at CSPR of 20 pL/cell/d.