Sartorius Stedim Biotech expanded its technology portfolio with the addition of two prototypes of single-use bioreactors that operate based on novel mixing technologies. These cell culture systems were developed in cooperation with the German company Bayer Technology Services GmbH (BTS) and the Swiss cell culture specialist ExcellGene SA. The new bioreactors have been designed for the manufacture of monoclonal antibodies, recombinant proteins and vaccines.

The company has been offering two types of single-use bioreactor: the BIOSTAT CultiBag STR product line, which features a stirred tank design as in reusable bioreactors, and the BIOSTAT CultiBag RM that uses rocking motion for mixing of cell cultures. In 2010, the company plans to extend its technology portfolio with two additional systems: a rotationally oscillating bioreactor and an orbital shake bioreactor. Each of these four agitation technologies offers specific advantages depending on the cells being produced, the scale-up level of the cell cultures and additional process parameters.

“Based on this comprehensive technology platform, we are taking a huge step forward towards achieving our goal of becoming the global market leader in single-use bioreactors,” commented Dr. Oscar-Werner Reif, who is responsible for R&D on Sartorius Stedim Biotech’s board of directors. “Whatever our customers’ application, we offer the best solution, both technically and economically.”