Stratophase presents first data on its in-line, real-time, bioprocess monitoring system to control nutrient levels and metabolic rate in yeast fermentation

Stratophase, focussed on real-time, in-line bioprocess monitoring and fermentation control, to increase yields of fully functional biologics, has announced the latest data on its bioprocess monitoring systems.

In a yeast fermentation system, Stratophase showed its in-situ probe could accurately monitor the conversion of glucose to ethanol, and use this signal to control an automated feeding mechanism. Additionally, when compared to current standard techniques of fixed volume feeding, the speed of the ethanol production with the Stratophase probe was increased.

The Stratophase probe works by detecting the changing refractive index (RI) of the fermentation media as glucose is converted to ethanol. In this latest research the changing status of the RI was used to trigger the provision of further glucose nutrient into the fermentation system; as glucose was depleted, it was replaced. This avoids overloading the system with too much glucose, which would be detrimental to microbial growth, or starving the system of glucose which would slow or stop the fermentation process.

Bill Campbell, Chief Executive Officer of Stratophase said: “This latest data shows that Stratophase’s technology can provide real-time, in-line monitoring of nutrients, and the control of feeding regimes, to optimise metabolism in a fermentation process. Compared to offline techniques of nutrient monitoring, the current standard in the industry, we believe the Stratophase technology will provide biopharmaceutical manufacturers with increased yields of fully functional biologics, decreased batch rejection, and greater confidence in their biomanufacturing processes.”

Further details on the research can be found at www.stratophase.com