Automated imunoanalysis systems for monitoring mammalian cell cultivation processes

Two different automated immunoanalysis systems are presented. Both are based on the principles of flow-injection analysis and were developed to provide reliable, rapid monitoring of relevant proteins in animal cell cultivation processes. One system uses a turbidimetric analysis, and the other employs a heterogeneous chemistry with immobilized immunocomponents. For both systems, the analysis time is in the range of a few minutes, and a complete analysis cycle, including triplicate analyses and various washing steps, is in the range of 20-30 minutes. Samples from cultivation processes can be analyzed directly without dilution. Quantitation of proteins such as rt-PA or monoclonal antibodies can be performed over an analyte concentration range of 1-1000 mg/L. Both systems were compared to conventional ELISA assays on microtiter plates. The turbidimetric analysis system also included a biosensor for simultaneous glucose determination.