Industrial bioproduction
From cell to functional ingredient
We scale up your bioprocesses with control, reproducibility and a market-oriented approach. From initial screening to the pilot batch, we integrate upstream, downstream and stabilisation to bring your biomolecules to a pre-industrial prototype.
What it involves
We develop and scale up bioprocesses to obtain proteins, enzymes, metabolites, biopolymers and microbial/plant biomass. We work with microorganisms, yeasts, algae and cell lines, optimising media, critical parameters and operating configuration (batch, fed-batch, continuous) to maximise yield, purity and reproducibility.
What we do:
- Upstream: strain/cell line selection, optimisation of media and intensive variables, process control design.
- Scale-up: from 1–5 L to 20–200–300 L with verifiable transfer models.
- Downstream: separation, filtration (MF/UF), chromatography (affinity, IEC, SEC, HIC, RPC) and formulation.
- Stabilisation: freeze-drying and microencapsulation (incl. spray drying) for shelf life and functionality.
Why choose our bioproduction solutions
- Real scalability: 250 mL–1–5–20–200–300 L systems with advanced control (pH, DO₂, Tª, aeration, agitation).
- Biological versatility: bacteria, yeasts, algae and plant/animal cell lines.
- Complete integration: upstream + downstream + stabilisation within the same pilot chain.
- Data and reproducibility SCADA acquisition and modelling for transfer..
- Product-oriented approach: from ingredient to application (food, cosmetics, pharma, agrifood).
Industrial applications
SCP, recombinants, bioactive peptides
Enzymes (proteases, amylases, chitinases, endolysins) and metabolites (organic/fatty acids, vitamins, aromas)
(e.g., PHAs) and exopolysaccharides
Microbial biomass (probiotics, starter cultures) and plant cell lines for compounds of interest.
Infrastructure
Upstream / bioreactors
AMBR250 (250 mL), BIOSTAT Qplus (1 L), Btwin (5 L), Cplus (20 L) and D300 (200–300 L); batch, fed-batch and continuous operation; CIP/SIP systems.
Downstream
Alfa Laval Clara 20 centrifuge (up to ~500 L/h), Sartoflow/Sartocon micro/ultrafiltration (0.2–0.45 µm; 1–300 kDa), ÄKTA Avant 150 chromatograph (affinity, IEC, SEC, HIC, RPC).
Stabilisation
freeze-drying and spray drying (evap. cap. ~1–10 kg H₂O/h; inlet Tª up to ~220 °C).
Functional/analytical characterisation and in vitro testing are offered as complementary services and are integrated into the bioproduction workflow on request.
How we work
Production platform (screening → selection)
Isolation/preservation, HT screening, C/N assimilation tests, production of enzymes/acids/antimicrobial compounds; optionally genetic engineering (vector design, CRISPR editing, codon optimisation) when required by the project.
Bioprocess definition (lab scale)
Growth kinetics, intensive variables (medium, Tª, inoculation), cost-effective medium design, control configuration.
Optimisation and scale-up (pilot scale)
Extensive variables (agitation/aeration), direct and indirect monitoring (OD, pH, pO₂), experimental design/modelling, verification of technical and economic feasibility.
Downstream & Purification
Step-by-step strategy (separation, MF/UF, chromatography), monitoring by SDS-PAGE/Western/activity until a homogeneous fraction is obtained.
Stabilisation & Formulation
Freeze-drying and/or microencapsulation (incl. spray drying/spray chilling) focused on shelf life, processability and final application.
Transfer and demonstration batches
Freeze-drying and/or microencapsulation (incl. spray drying/spray chilling) focused on shelf life, Generation of pilot batches for testing on the customer’s production line and industrial scale-up and final application.
Cases and results
Complementary services
- Release/activity studies (in vitro) and product stability.
- Microencapsulation for shelf life and targeted release.
- Regulatory advice (food, nutraceuticals, cosmetics).
- ALTEX for additional purification/selectivity of lipophilic compounds.
Frequently asked questions
What working scales do you cover?
From 250 mL and 1–5 L in the laboratory up to 20–200–300 L at pilot scale, with advanced control and data recording.
What process configurations do you offer?
Batch, fed-batch and continuous, with modelling and experimental design for transfer.
What purification options are available?
Centrifugation, MF/UF and chromatography (affinity, IEC, SEC, HIC, RPC) with full analytical monitoring.
Can you stabilise the final product?
Yes, with freeze-drying and microencapsulation (incl. spray drying) focused on shelf life and functionality.
Would you like to know more?
Leave us your details and we will contact you to answer your questions or continue the conversation.
