Strain Phenotypic Characterization Services

The Strain Phenotypic Characterization Service provides a deep, quantitative understanding of a microbial strain's behavior in a controlled bioprocess environment. Unlike high-throughput screening which focuses on identifying "hits," characterization focuses on fully profiling the most promising strains from a library to determine their stability, growth kinetics, metabolic flux, and scalability potential under various industrial conditions.

CD Biosynsis offers a comprehensive suite of characterization tools ranging from controlled shake flask assays to automated micro-bioreactor systems (e.g., DASGIP, BioLector). Our service delivers reliable, high-resolution data on critical parameters, including specific growth rate (µ), substrate uptake, product yield (Yp/s), oxygen consumption rate (OUR), and carbon dioxide evolution rate (CER). This robust data is essential for validating genetic modifications, optimizing fermentation protocols, and informing scale-up decisions in metabolic engineering and biomanufacturing.

Highlights

Core benefits of our Strain Phenotypic Characterization Service:

• Quantitative Data: Provides specific, reliable metrics (e.g., growth rate, yield) needed for bioprocess modeling and scale-up.
• Validation of Hits: Confirms the stable, high performance of promising strains identified during initial high-throughput screening.
• Condition Optimization: Allows for precise testing of strain performance across various media compositions, pH, temperature, and induction conditions.
• Bioprocess Readiness: Delivers the physiological profile required by regulatory bodies and manufacturing teams for efficient fermentation.

Characterization Assays

Comprehensive assays to define strain physiology and performance:

Growth Kinetics Analysis

Precise measurement of maximum specific growth rate (µmax), lag phase duration, and final biomass yield across conditions.

Metabolic Flux Profiling

Measurement of substrate uptake rates, product formation rates (qP), and byproduct accumulation via HPLC or GC-MS.

Respiration Analysis (OUR/CER)

Monitoring Oxygen Uptake Rate (OUR) and Carbon Dioxide Evolution Rate (CER) to calculate the Respiratory Quotient (RQ).

Genetic Stability Testing

Assessing plasmid retention or integration stability and performance drift over long-term, high-density cultivation runs.

Key Features & Tools

Advanced equipment and technical features supporting high-resolution characterization:

Micro-Bioreactor Systems

Utilizing high-end systems like BioLector or DASGIP for automated, parallel fermentation under precise, controlled conditions.

Automated Sampling and Analysis

Time-course sampling automation coupled with rapid chromatographic analysis (HPLC/GC-MS) for real-time data.

Advanced Off-Gas Monitoring

High-resolution gas analysis for accurate determination of metabolic state and oxygen requirements.

Physiological Modeling

Data is organized for direct use in kinetic models, enabling rational bioprocess optimization and scale-up prediction.

Feed Strategy Development

Testing and refining fed-batch strategies (e.g., exponential feeding) to maximize yield and control overflow metabolism.

Workflow

Our systematic approach for high-fidelity strain characterization:

• Strain Preparation: Selected hit strains are prepared, banked, and confirmed for genetic identity and purity.
• Media and Condition Design: Experimental conditions (e.g., temperature, pH profile, media type) are defined based on client objectives.
• Bioreactor Runs: Strains are cultivated in controlled shake flasks or micro-bioreactor systems (batch or fed-batch mode).
• High-Resolution Monitoring: Automated measurements track growth (OD), dissolved oxygen/pH, and off-gas composition over time.
• Metabolic Analysis: Timely liquid samples are analyzed via HPLC/GC-MS to quantify substrate consumption and product/byproduct formation.
• Reporting and Modeling: Delivery of a comprehensive data package including kinetic graphs, calculated physiological parameters, and scale-up recommendations.

We provide essential assurance for high-quality phenotypic characterization outcomes:

• Data Reliability: Use of calibrated, controlled systems ensures low variability and high confidence in calculated growth and yield parameters.
• Process Relevance: Focus on parameters directly applicable to industrial scale-up and fermentation modeling.
• Customized Protocols: Flexibility to characterize strains under highly specific, client-defined bioprocess conditions.
• Scale-Up Insight: Data is formatted to directly support the transition of the characterized strain to pilot and manufacturing scale.