Microbiology: unparalleled results through parallel cultivation

The development of high-throughput processes for the genetic modification of microorganisms increases the number of potential product candidates that must be analyzed with respect to their suitability for the production of proteins. With a modular system design and specific cultivation systems, DASGIP offers optimal solutions that meet the constantly growing demands of modern strain development. Using the DASGIP cultivation system represents an additional step toward the successful identification of the best producers. Ensuring authentic fermentation conditions makes it possible to examine processes and production-like conditions. The modular structure of the system enables an extremely detailed presentation and analysis of the fermentation process. Beginning with regulation of the temperature, pH and substrate feeding, to the analysis of the exhaust gases and biomass, and on to the regulation of the concentration of gas in the air supply, the system can be equipped to meet the specific wishes and demands of the customer.

» Application Note "Analyzing the Role of Glycogen in Amino Acid Production" (PDF)

If a particularly suitable expression strain is identified, the best possible yield in the biotechnological production of recombinant proteins is first determined by the cell density of the corresponding microorganism in the fermentation batch. Through highly precise control of the culture conditions, DASGIP parallel bioreactor systems enable the high cell density cultivation of microorganisms which are commonly used in biotechnology applications, e.g. E. coli, Pichia pastoris or Saccaromyces cerivisiae. By individually adjusting stirrer speed, the oxygen concentration in the air supply and the gassing rate, oxygenation can be optimized so that it matches the actual requirements of the culture. The increased heat generated by the process, which is typical in high cell density fermentation, can be efficiently and reliably dissipated via the BioBlock to enable precise, individual temperature control.

» Application Note "Comparative Studies for High Cell Density Fermentation" (PDF)

» Article "HCDF as a Protein-Labeling Methodology" (PDF)

The optimization of fermentation processes in the production of recombinant proteins depends on many different factors. In some cases they are very specific for individual organisms and recombinant proteins. For instance, temperature and pH value influence product quality and yield. Determining the optimal reaction conditions such as temperature, pH value and media composition is therefore an important factor in achieving higher protein concentrations. Since the optimal conditions for cell growth and protein production can be completely different, a suitable process control must also be identified. This means for instance that temperature or pH values are adjusted after a certain cell density is reached so that an optimal protein stability and yield is ensured. In many cases, protein production occurs as a result of the targeted induction of the protein expression. The DASGIP system offers a wide range of control loops and automation functions for the individual and optimal implementation of such fermentation processes. For example, the concentration of dissolved oxygen can be regulated by controlling the feed rate of the culture medium or through the automatic adjustment of the stirrer speed, gassing rate and the oxygen concentration in the air supply.

» Application note "fed-batch fermentation of Hansenula polymorpha" (PDF)

» Application note "Novel fermentation system for protein production" (PDF)

Scarce oil resources and the increasing global demand for energy have led to skyrocketing oil prices on the world markets, drastically highlighting the urgent need to search for alternative energy sources, particularly for fuels. Against this backdrop, DASGIP developed a customized parallel bioreactor system designed especially for biofuels development and manufacturing processes. With this system, processes can be carried out under the absence of oxygen and through independent monitoring of pH values and redox potential, as well as with safe and flexible gassing using gas mixtures or freely selectable, separately controlled input gases. 

» E-Flyer Biofuels (PDF)

» Press release "Biofuels" (PDF)

» Article "Replacement of a phase-out technology: managing sophisticated processes with in-depth insight"; Biotech international, 2010 (PDF)

» Article "Biofuels - challenges & chances: How biofuel development can benefit from advanced process technology"; Engineering in Life Sciences, 2009 (PDF)

» Application Note "Isobutanol from Renewable Feedstock" (PDF)

The young research field of biocatalysis, which overlaps the areas of biotechnology and chemistry, involves the development of methods for accelerating chemical reactions with the help of biological catalysts. Alongside free enzymes, bacteria, yeast and fungi cells are also deployed as biocatalysts. Existing chemical synthesis, with its use of partially toxic reagents and solvents as well as high energy consumption, is in direct conflict with the sustainable handling of energy and raw material resources. Apart from its application in well-established processes such as the manufacture of vitamin C, aspartame or various antibiotics, biocatalysis is becoming increasingly important, particularly in the environmentally-sound manufacture of innovative products. With up to 16 parallel DASGIP bioreactors for aerobic and anaerobic cultures, fermentation volumes ranging from 60 milliliters to 4 liters, DASGIP microbiology systems enable the fast, simple and comprehensive analysis and characterization of special cells or clones for biocatalysis applications. 

» Article "Vitamin C Production"; Food Engineering & Ingrediens, 2008 (PDF)

In addition to the standard use of microorganisms in the food and animal feed industries for processes such as alcohol fermentation, the acidification of dairy products or ensilage, bacteria and fungi are gaining popularity in the production of foodstuff additives such as vitamins, antioxidants or bioactive peptides. DASGIP parallel bioreactor systems for the parallel and controlled fermentation of microorganisms support research and development activities in the field of food science and engineering. Thanks to their modular design, the DASGIP control units can be integrated into existing systems for use in manufacturing and quality assurance control processes. DASGIP systems offer users in the food and animal feed industries the benefit of easily scalable features for monitoring processes from development, all the way to production.

» Article "DASGIP Parallel Bioreactor Systems in Food Industries"; Bio Process International, 2008 (PDF)

» Application Note "Process Development for Silage Inoculants - Optimization of Fermentation for Lactobacillus sp." (PDF)