Utveckling och utvärdering av naturliga supportmatriser för live-cell harvet från bioreaktorer

Important results from the project

The project aimed at evaluating Cellevate´s scaffolds for cell cultivation in OmniBRx bioreactors. This has been achieved, as we have demonstrated that we can achieve the primary goal of high cell densities of relevant cells, with high viability. As a sub-goal, we have also evaluated biopolymers that can bypass the trypsin-based enzymatic degradation steps currently used for cell extraction from bioreactors. It is possible to break down cellulose-based products, but the process needs to be optimized to be integrated into industrial production.

Expected long term effects

Cellevate´s nanofibrous materials have been successfully integrated into the OmniBRx bioreactor, and several runs have been conducted to compare the performance of the material against their existing alternative. The focus has been on the analysis of metabolites in the cell culture medium as indicators of cell viability and growth, and Cellevate´s material has shown improved cell growth and viability compared to OmniBRX´s current solution. Through enzymatic degradation of the materials, we have identified a new method to extract cells from cellulose-based nanofiber materials.

Approach and implementation

The project has been affected by the aftermath of the pandemic, primarily linked to the opportunities for our Indian partner to carry out the planned work according to the original timeline. An application was therefore submitted to Vinnova and GITA to extend the project duration, and was approved by both organizations in August 2023. Since then, the project has successfully adhered to the set timeline both in terms of setup and implementation.