Adenovirus Upstream Processes

Suspension cell culture

Adenovirus vector production in suspension cultures allows for easy upscaling and reduces process costs. Producer cell lines such as HEK293 cells can be adapted to suspension culture and can grow in serum-free media, enhancing the safety profile.

For small-scale suspension cultures, shake flasks with various capacities can be used. For large-scale suspension cultures, bioreactor options for single-use stirred-tank bioreactors with a GMP volume of up to 200 L are available. The cultivation method applied is project-dependent, with options including perfusion, fed-batch, or batch cultivation. Suspension cell culture platforms and harvesting options:

Adherent cell culture

Adenovirus vectors can be produced using adherent cell cultures in T-flasks or multilayer vessels such as hyperflasks or cell stacks. Alternatively, adherent cell cultures can be conducted in bioreactors, including packed-bed bioreactors or single-use systems with microcarriers. While adherent cultures necessitate tissue-culture-treated vessels and repeated passaging, they offer the advantage of easy visual inspection under a microscope.