Centrifugation plays a key role in many bioprocessing workflows, offering several advantages over filtration when it comes to harvesting. Notably, centrifugation enables cells to be separated from the culture media faster, more efficiently, and on a much higher density than is possible using filtration technologies, affording highly pure products for downstream workflows.

Protecting sample purity is a key priority, as contamination from neighboring cultures or circulating microorganisms is a constant risk. This is especially important when working with pathogens, as protecting both product and operator from contamination is critical. However, despite the most careful efforts, sample and operator contamination can occur in a variety of ways: for example, when manually transferring sample volumes in laminar flow cabinets, or when cleaning consumables and equipment.

Fortunately, the latest centrifugation solutions offer an effective solution for controlling contamination. This blog looks at how a large pharmaceutical manufacturer maximized sample security, while boosting efficiency in microbial cell pellet harvesting using the Thermo Scientific™ CentriPAK™ BioProcess Container (BPC).

Maximizing sample security using single-use, sterilized, closed-system bioprocessing containers

One of the best ways to protect samples and personnel from contamination when separating cell cultures is by making bioprocessing workflows as straightforward and convenient as possible. This was the strategy taken by a large pharmaceutical manufacturer, who leveraged the latest generation of batch centrifugation consumables to maximize sample security, while eliminating the labor-intensive processing steps that expose samples and operators to contamination risk.

The company used the CentriPAK™ BPC, a sterilized, single-use, closed-system container for improved security of cell culture separations. Designed specifically for use with the Thermo Scientific™ Sorvall™ BIOS 16 Centrifuge with 6 x 2000 mL and 8 x 2000 mL swinging bucket rotors, the BPC protects samples by offering a complete, closed-system solution for the entire bioprocessing workflow. Because the CentriPAK™ BPC is a single-use product sterilized by gamma-irradiation, it is ready-to-use and eliminates the post-use cleaning steps that are required with reusable containers. The manufacturer found that as well as making their workflows more efficient, the BPC also eliminated the cost of water and chemicals used for cleaning and autoclave sterilization steps.

The CentriPAK™ BPC has a nominal volume of 1.7 L and can be used to process culture volumes of between 3 and 500 L. Its robust design means it can tolerate centrifugation at g-forces of up to 7187 g (4700 rpm), enabling gentle, high-throughput and high-efficiency harvesting. The BPC covers a range of industry-standard connections, such as sterile connect, Luer-lock connect, quick connect, and weld-on connection systems, and a steam-through adapter is also available for stainless-steel bioreactors. The plug-and-play nature of the closed system minimizes the risk of contamination, while saving time and maximizing workflow efficiency. Furthermore, the ergonomic design of the container reduces the amount of storage space required, enabling better use of refrigerator capacity.

Reducing contamination while saving time and increasing efficiency

When cell culture separations demand the highest levels of sample and operator protection, one of the best ways to reduce contamination risk is to simplify and streamline workflows. The Sorvall™ BIOS 16 Centrifuge with the new CentriPAK™ BPC create a single-use, sterilized, closed-system solution for improved security of cell culture separations in the bioprocessing industry.

Learn more about the Thermo Scientific™ CentriPAK™ BPC and Thermo Scientific™ Sorvall™ BIOS 16 Centrifuge.