Headspace foam in bioreactors can cause significant issues to a biological process among which are unfavorable metabolic conditions for cells, increased shear from bursting bubbles, cell death/entrainment, mass transfer interference and potential fouling of exhaust filters which can allow a point of entry for contamination or lead to pressure build-up and possible failure of the bioprocess container. This study investigates the efficacy of using a single use foam probe coupled with an automated response of an antifoam addition with an integrated DeltaV controller. Two 50L S.U.B.s run in parallel clearly illustrate differences; the first employing foam control using the foam probe and the second 50L S.U.B. where foam is manually controlled via a dosing interval and manual additions when determined by the operator.
Please click Additional Files below to see the full abstract
