In situ microscopy as online tool for detecting microbial contaminations in cell culture

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology
• Microbiology
• Cell Culture Technology

Background:

• Microbial contamination in mammalian cell cultures leads to significant economic losses due to rejected batches.
• Current contamination detection methods are often time-consuming and require off-line sampling, delaying intervention.
• Early detection of microbial contaminants is critical for maintaining culture integrity and productivity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate an online, in situ microscopy system for the early detection of microbial contamination in mammalian cell cultures.
• To differentiate between mammalian cells and microbial contaminants based on cell diameter.
• To establish an automated warning system for timely alerts.

Main Methods:

• Utilized an online in situ microscope to monitor cell cultures in real-time.
• Estimated cell diameter to distinguish between mammalian cells and microbial contaminants (Candida utilis, Pichia stipitis).
• Implemented a warning system to alert operators upon detection of microbial presence.

Main Results:

• The in situ microscopy system successfully distinguished between mammalian hybridoma cells and microbial contaminants.
• The automated warning system effectively detected introduced contaminations.
• Demonstrated the feasibility of real-time monitoring for contamination detection.

Conclusions:

• Online in situ microscopy offers an efficient and convenient alternative to traditional methods for detecting microbial contamination.
• This technology enables early detection, potentially reducing batch failures and associated costs.
• The system shows promise for routine application in mammalian cell culture monitoring.