Addressing the Gassing Rate in Bioreactor Upscaling

ZETA critically examines the reliability of vvm as a scaling parameter for gassing rates in bioreactors. Their study reveals that relying solely on vvm can lead to inaccurate results, and they propose a process-based approach using validated performance parameters for more reliable scale-up.

Process ExpertiseResearch & DevelopmentTechnical Text

Bioreactor scale-up: Is vvm a reliable parameter?

Common approaches in bioreactor scale-up use the gas flow coefficient (vvm) as criterion for the volumetric flow rates. Besides being usually the decisive parameter when it comes to scaling of the gassing rate, a defined vvm is frequently used in the context of process validation, and therefore considered essential for qualification. ZETA called the reliability of this parameter into question and evaluated the scaling competence of vvm in a study that was performed in the context of the commissioning of an upstream production plant.

This white paper, which focuses on the challenges of scaling the gassing rate across different bioreactor scales, follows up on the white paper “The Critical Role of Predictive Bioreactor Characterization in Pharmaceutical Process-based Upscaling” by presenting recent findings.

Ensuring an efficient supply of oxygen is crucial for cell growth and can be considered one of the central challenges in bioreactor design and scaling.

Get in touch Get in touch

Florian Krainer

Portfolio Manager

Portrait picture of a person wearing a white shirt and a black blazer in front of a light background.

First name*

Last name*

E-Mail address*

Company*

Country*

Website

I would like to receive regular information and electronic advertising and agree that my data may be processed and used for this purpose by all companies of the ZETA Group worldwide.

zeta.com is committed to protecting and respecting your privacy, and we’ll only use your personal information to administer your account and to provide the products and services you requested from us. By submitting, I agree to the Terms of Use and the Privacy Policy.

Message*

Download white paper addressing the gassing rate in bioreactor upscaling

ZETA questions the reliability of vvm as a scaling parameter for gassing rates in bioreactors and proposes a validated, process-based approach for more accurate scale-up.