New method measures oxygen transfer rate in cell cultures

Researchers from RWTH Aachen University in Germany have found a new way to monitor cell cultures using oxygen transfer rate (OTR). This method is expected to improve the understanding of mammalian cell health, which has been challenging with traditional approaches. Jørgen Magnus, a key researcher, explained that OTR has been mainly used for microbial fermentation. However, it's hard to measure accurately in mammalian cell cultivation. By using a specialized instrument, they can continuously track how well cells are functioning without needing time-consuming offline analysis. The OTR essentially indicates how quickly cells consume oxygen, which relates to how much sugar and other nutrients they are using. If the sugar runs low, oxygen consumption drops, which can be detected through OTR measurements. The team developed a system called RAMOS that uses a circulation pump to monitor air movement and capture data from sensors. Recent studies have shown that this technique is sensitive and can be adapted for mammalian cells, offering a more precise measurement compared to past methods. The data collected can also be integrated into a digital twin model, allowing scientists to monitor and control the cell culture process in real time. Magnus highlighted that this advancement could significantly improve the production quality in various applications, including monoclonal antibodies and advanced therapies. He believes that the enhanced data from OTR will lead to better monitoring and process control in the coming years.