The automation generation: Sartorius integrates analytics tech
The collaboration will integrate Nova’s BioProfile Flex2 into SSB’s ambr bioreactors, for automated, at-line cell culture analytics.
The BioProfile Flex2, which requires smaller sample volumes than its predecessor the BioProfile Flex, will be integrated into the ambr 15 cell culture system in Q3, 2017.
The Flex2 will also be integrated into the ambr 250 high throughput before the end of the year.
"We have experienced a strong reaction from our customers, who want everything automated," SSB product manager Barney Zoro told Bio-PharmaReporter.com.
Together, the two technologies will simultaneously run, sample and analyse cell culture conditions during high-throughput cell line, media and process development.
“This will allow biopharmaceutical companies to develop well-characterized cell culture processes in less time, while preventing the process development bottleneck being shifted to the analytical laboratory,” said SSB.
Further, the combined technologies “significantly increase the amount of data that can be generated per run,” said SSB senior vice president, marketing and product management, Stefan Schlack.
Automation growing trend
Biopharma interest in automation is increasing as manufacturers look for ways to make their products more efficiently.
Eric Langer – managing partner at independent strategic biomanufacturing information and analysis firm BioPlan Associates – told us last month, “As the industry continues focusing on manufacturing productivity and efficiency, the more the need to reply on automation, integrated equipment, controllers and software.”
This demand is being reflected by investments in the technology sector. For example, both GE Healthcare and Thermo Fisher have invested in bioreactor automation technologies.
