Spiking based Raman Model Calibration for Perfusion Cell Culture using a
Harvest Library
Abstract
Raman spectroscopy has gained popularity to monitor multiple process
indicators simultaneously in biopharmaceutical processes. However,
robust and specific model calibration remains a challenge due to
insufficient analyte variability to train the models and high
cross-correlation of various media components and artefacts throughout
the process. Therefore, a systematic Raman calibration workflow for
perfusion processes enabling highly specific and fast model calibration
was developed. A harvest library consisting of frozen harvest samples
from multiple CHO cell culture bioreactors collected at different
process times was established, capturing process variability as widely
as possible. Model calibration was subsequently performed in an offline
setup using a flow cell by spiking process harvest with various sugars
known to modulate glycosylation patterns of monoclonal antibodies. In a
screening phase, Raman spectroscopy was proven capable not only to
distinguish glucose, raffinose, galactose, mannose, and fructose in
perfusion harvest, but also to quantify them independently in process
relevant concentrations. In a second phase, a robust and highly specific
calibration model for simultaneous glucose (RMSEP = 0.32 g/L) and
raffinose (RMSEP = 0.17 g/L) real-time monitoring was generated and
verified in a third phase during a perfusion process. The proposed
offline calibration workflow allowed proper Raman peak decoupling,
reduced calibration time from months down to days and can potentially be
applied to other analytes of interest including lactate, ammonia, amino
acids, or product titer.