Q&A

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By LaborPraxis (LP)

LP: What is the classic application for the UniVessel SU single-use bioreactor? Are you targeting special applications?
Sabrina Armgart: We are primarily addressing users who work in the area of cell culture development and, specifically, those working in process development. This is an area where the strengths of single-use systems, such as minimal cleaning effort and fast operational startup, truly come to the fore. As far as applications are concerned, we are already developing a system for microbial fermentation so that we can serve an even larger group of users.

LP: Are microbial fermentation processes more difficult to implement?
Andre Grebe: In fact, they pose fewer complex application requirements. However, they do require considerably higher aeration rates and higher impeller speeds. At present, we are developing solutions that will enable us to increase impeller speeds from the current 700 to 2,000 rpm.

LP: Does the user have to decide between a single-use and a reusable system or can he even interchange them?
Armgart: Both options are available: The user does not have to opt for one solution only. The single-use culture vessels can be interchangeably used with reusable glass vessels. This means, for example, that when a workload intensifies or when maintenance is being performed on a culture vessel, you can simply switch over. That way, downtimes in bioreactor control are reduced or even eliminated and there is no need for expensive purchases of extra, fully equipped glass bioreactor vessels.

LP: How much time do you save by using the UniVessel?
Grebe: If we estimate that you have to budget in around seven hours for starting up operation of a standard glass bioreactor including cleaning, sterilization and calibration of the sensors, not to mention preparing the culture, the UniVessel SU takes only around one to three hours of this time, depending on whether the sensors have to be calibrated or the optical measuring method is used. No matter which measuring method you choose, the time savings with the UniVessel SU are significant.

LP: How is it that conventional sensors can also be used alongside optical single-use sensors?
Armgart: As with our controllers and impeller drive motors, we want users to be able to rely on their familiar equipment when it comes to measuring systems as well. Besides, the sensor patches narrow the required measuring accuracy of the pH down to a range of between 6 and 8. For cell cultivation applications, however, this range is absolutely sufficient and provides even greater time efficiencies.

Click here to request information for the UniVessel® SU Single-Use Bioreactor.

About Sartorius Stedim:
Sartorius Stedim Biotech is a leading provider of cutting-edge equipment and services for the development, quality assurance and production processes of the biopharmaceutical industry. Its integrated solutions covering fermentation, filtration, purification, fluid management and lab technologies are supporting the biopharmaceutical industry around the world to develop and produce drugs safely, timely and economically. For next generation processes, Sartorius Stedim Biotech focuses on single-use technologies and value-added services to meet the rapidly changing technology requirements of the industry it serves. Strongly rooted in the scientific community and closely allied with customers and technology partners, the company is dedicated to its philosophy of "turning science into solutions" on a daily basis.