Press Release
Share
Physical Sciences Inc. (PSI) has been awarded a contract from the National Institutes of Health to develop an in-line Raman cytometry sensor probe for the real-time monitoring of host cells in viral vector culturing bioreactors.
Gene therapy is an emerging therapeutic technology that uses genes in targeted cells to prevent and/or treat acquired disorders and inherited genetic diseases. The rapid advancement of human gene and disease research has increased the demand for gene therapy and investment in the production of large-scale clinical applications. However, the clinical potential of gene therapy is limited by the current manufacturing capability of gene delivery products. Gene therapy biologics are primarily produced by harvesting viral vectors in mammalian cell cultures, a delicate and complex process influenced by numerous environmental factors. Ineffective monitoring and control of viral production can result in manufacturing challenges such as cell instability, high impurity levels, limited scalability, and reduced productivity. To develop efficient and reliable biomanufacturing processes, a deep understanding of bioprocess dynamics is essential. This necessitates advanced analytical technologies that can provide accurate, real-time insights into key bioprocess parameters and quality attributes.
Physical Sciences Inc. (PSI), in collaboration with our university partner, proposes to develop a novel in-line biomanufacturing process analytical technology tool. It enables real-time monitoring of the biomolecules of host cells and their environment in large-scale bioreactors. The technology is based on optical spectroscopic techniques that combine Raman scattering and autofluorescence. An innovative spectroscopy cytometry design will be adopted to efficiently distinguish intra-cellular biomolecules within the host cells from extra-cellular biomolecules in culture media. In this program, a prototype cytometry probe system will be designed, constructed, and evaluated by measuring and analyzing intra-cellular biomolecules in real-time during viral vector production bioreactor operations. Successful development of this technology will support biotech R&D to improve the understanding and monitoring of bioprocesses, which in turn will promote the development of advanced processes for large-scale production of viral vector products for gene therapy applications.
For more information contact:
Dr. Youbo Zhao
Group Leader, Spectral Solutions
yzhao@psicorp.com
Physical Sciences Inc.
Office: (978) 689-0003
Acknowledgement of Sponsorship: This work is supported by a contract with the National Institutes of Health. This support does not constitute an express or implied endorsement on the part of the Government.