The Automation Partnership (TAP) has announced a 48 bioreactor version of its advanced micro bioreactor system (Ambr) for more complex experimental designs.
This version of the Ambr workstation automates the operation of 48 disposable micro bioreactors and closely replicates the characteristics of benchtop bioreactors at microscale (10-15ml working volume).
In the system, the 48 micro bioreactors are arranged in four culture stations containing sets of 12, each with a miniature internal impeller, as well as individual closed-loop control of dissolved O2 and pH and a supply of gases.
Each culture station has independent stirring speed and temperature control, allowing scientists to test up to four different temperature and stir speeds simultaneously, making experimental designs much simpler to carry out with just one real-time parallel run, according to TAP.
The Ambr system, controls culture set-up and inoculation, the addition of alkalis and feeds, as well as culture sampling for cell count and analysis such as antibody titre.
Its width is 50cm shorter than the original Ambr, therefore still compact enough to fit in a standard laboratory biosafety cabinet.
These features can save time by setting up and leaving experiments for automatic processing and monitoring, under aseptic conditions, overnight or at weekends.
'The system will fulfil the needs of many bioprocess scientists as it doubles the number of process conditions that can be tested at once, enabling more sophisticated experimental designs and generating real-time data for 48 parallel bioreactor cultures in a single run,' said Dr Barney Zoro, TAP's bioprocess product manager.
