Statistical methods in media optimization for batch and fed-batch animal cell culture

Hybridoma 130-8F producing anti-F monoclonal antibodies (MAb) were grown in batch and fed-batch mode with glutamine as the limiting substrate. The initial concentration of glucose varied between 10 and 25 mM but was not growth limiting. Monoclonal antibody production was identified as being partially growth associated. Employing the cumulative cell hour concept, external metabolic flux estimates were calculated during the exponential growth phase for MAb, glucose, amino acids, ammonia and lactate. Through nutritional profiling using principal component analysis (PCA) followed by partial least squares regression (PLS), key metabolites were identified and grouped for significant positive, significant negative, low level, and negligible correlation to MAb production, cellular growth, glucose consumption, and ammonia and lactate production. Significant relationships peculiar to Hybridoma 130-8F were identified, such as demand for two normally non-essential amino acids (asparagine and aspartic acid), and the positive correlation between MAb and ammonia production.