All the fermenters within the facility are connected to AFS Biocommand. Which is used for both data logging and process control. The system utilises both time and event based strategies for effective fermentation control.
DOWNSTREAM PROCESSING :
A Westfalia SA7 plate-stack flow through centrifuge is used to harvest larger culture volumes, or high cell density cultures. The SA7 has a variable flow rate up to approximately 500-600 L/hr and operates at 8400 rpm with a maximum bowl capacity of approximately 2 kg of biomass.
Cell disruption can be achieved by passing the harvested cells through a Manton Gaulin Homogeniser. This breaks open the cells releasing intracellular proteins for subsequent concentration and purification. Typical quantities of cell biomass processed are in the hundreds of grams to kilograms range.
Tangential-flow filtration is used to harvest or concentrate cell biomass up to volumes of 200L. A range of techniques are available for use with this equipment including standard concentration of cells prior to centrifugation to downstream processing of cell supernatants or extracts, for example diafiltration or ultrafiltration of microbial products.
