Are increasing titers changing the preferred size of commercial-scale bioreactors?
Hodge: We absolutely see the sweet-spot for commercial cell culture at 1,000–5,000 L. Increased titers and more specialized drugs obviate the need for larger reactors. Mirro: Increased titers allow customers to operate smaller vessels, thereby saving floor space. However, downstream systems need to improve more to handle these increased titers. Q: Over the next 5 to 10 years, how do you think the balance between stainless-steel and single-use bioreactors will evolve? Hodge: Bioreactors and mixers will continue to evolve with improved designs. Along with filtration systems and storage containers, integration of sensors will bring process ananylitical technology (PAT) into single-use bioprocessing. Jagschies: Disposable bioreactors will be used where relatively few batches are run and a financial advantage can be achieved with faster set-up and shorter change-over. Stainless steel bioreactors will prevail in intensive production of one product at tens to hundreds of batches. Mirro: There
