IMPROVING CELL CULTURE - Isis Project No 71531

Technology Source: EKB Technology Limited

EKB Technology has developed a portfolio of bioprocessing solutions designed to streamline bioprocess product production and purification.

Marketing Opportunity

Biocatalysis is the application of cell systems and enzymes to carry out complicated chemical reactions which would be too difficult using conventional chemistry.  The advantages of biocatalysis over synthetic chemistry routes include: higher product yields; very high chemo-, regio- and stereo- selectivity; and less aggressive reactions conditions (no volatile solvents; no elevated temperature and pressures).

A major challenge to broad the processes including some cell types is the generation of by-products which slow down formation of the desired high-value product.

The Invention

EKB technology has developed a suite of bioprocessing solutions including the electrokinetic bioreactor (hence ‘EKB’).  The technologies have the potential to save time and money by facilitating by-product removal on-line. Specifically toxic products such as lactate and ammonium can be removed online. The new technology described here is an extension to processes already developed by EKB for the in-situ removal of charged products such as organic acids. This EKB process has been tested in model cell culture systems. Potential applications include the recovery of (chiral) intermediates for pharmaceutical or speciality chemicals applications and the synthesis of nature identical flavours and fragrances from low cost feedstocks.

Patent Status

This ‘EKB’ patented technology is one of a series of bioprocessing technologies owned by EKB Technology. Isis Innovation is working with EKB Technology to identify specific applications and find commercial partners/licensees.

Request Further Information: Project Number 71531 - Improving Cell Culture