Prediction of cell culture media performance using fluorescence spectroscopy

Cell culture media used in industrial mammalian cell culture are complex aqueous solutions that are inherently difficult to analyze comprehensively. The analysis of media quality and variance is of utmost importance in efficient manufacturing. We are exploring the use of rapid "holistic" analytical methods that can be used for routine screening of cell culture media used in industrial biotechnology. The application of rapid fluorescence spectroscopic techniques to the routine analysis of cell culture media (Chinese hamster ovary cell-based manufacture) was investigated. We have developed robust methods which can be used to identify compositional changes and ultimately predict the efficacy of individual fed batch media in terms of downstream protein product yield with an accuracy of +/-0.13 g/L. This is achieved through the implementation of chemometric methods such as multiway robust principal component analysis (MROBPCA), and n-way partial least-squares-discriminant analysis and regression (NPLS-DA and NPLS). This ability to observe compositional changes and predict product yield before media use has enormous potential and should permit the effective elimination of one of the major process variables leading to more consistent product quality and improved yield. These robust and reliable methods have the potential to become an important part of upstream biopharmaceutical quality control and analysis.