UPSTREAM PROCESSING

Bioprocessing begins with upstream production, most often with culturing of animal or microbial cells in a range of vessel types (such as bags or stirred tanks) using different controlled feeding, aerating, and process strategies. The nominated articles in this category present strategies for and case studies about optimizing upstream processes to support and improve characterization and development for current and next-generation protein therapeutics.

This year's nominees all provide detailed roadmaps for improving upstream-process control, execution, and optimization. Ding et al. explain how control of dissolved oxygen influences the secretion and production of recombinant antibody fragments expressed during fermentation of Escherichia coli systems. Melinek et al. present a roadmap for development and implementation of systems for cell-free protein synthesis, as envisioned by a collaboration among University College London's Department of Biochemical Engineering, the UK Future Targeted Healthcare Manufacturing Hub, and industry partners. Piestun's article explores CRISPR–Cas9 technology's implications for cell-line development activities. And Shimoni and Moehrle describe how compounded media-powder formulations could significantly reduce the cost and complexity of media preparation activities.

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