Media Optimization

Xcellerex has created a high-throughput (HT) media optimization technology which allows the rapid development of optimized base growth media, feed solutions and feed strategies. This HT platform can also be used to develop a serum free media for cells cultured in serum containing media, replace other media components (e.g. animal derived with non-animal derived) and screen media components by vendor or lot.

HT media optimization is achieved using a combination of techniques, custom software and modified high speed robotics. In combination with the HT protein titer assay this technology can be used to optimize base media and feed solutions to maximize cell culture productivity.

The Xcellerex method of media and feed optimization allows thousands of nutrient levels or combinations to be run in parallel, achieving in one experiment what would take months to achieve in shake flasks. This approach was used successfully to create a custom defined media formulation comparable (for that cell line) in growth and productivity to the best commercially available proprietary growth media formulation. It was also used to develop a feed formulation and strategy that doubled mAb productivity of a CHO cell line to 1 g/L. Both results were achieved in a just single round of experimentation.

HT Media Optimization
  • screen thousands of media or feed conditions in one experiment
  • Optimize base media productivity and product quality
  • Optimize feed composition and delivery
  • Uncover complex interactions between media components
  • Evaluate lot and vendor variability of media components
  • Replace serum or animal-derived components
  • Map and optimize component interactions scalable to shake flask culture performance

Traditional Technology

Development and optimization of growth media, feed solutions and feed strategies is a complex project. There are more than 200 individual components (amino acids, trace metals, vitamins, growth factors, carbon sources, etc.) found in various commercial growth media formulations. Some of these may be critical for cell growth or productivity, others may be toxic at certain levels, and many may be involved in complex interactions in the same or competing pathways within the cell. Traditionally media and feed components are screened individually or in small combinations in shake flasks, in experiments of a few dozen shake flasks in parallel, which significantly limits the ability to discover complex interactions between media components.