MopHius Analytics
Optimizing the Bioprocess Performance with Analytical Technology

From the production of vaccines to the invention of CRISPR, bioprocessing has gone through numerous iterations and yet remains consistent in spearheading innovation. Today, with the imminent threat of seemingly invulnerable pathogens, bioprocess improvements are necessary. For instance, improvements in cell line development have come to the forefront; the CRISPR platform being one of them. However, the development of medication involves much more than the effective utilization of bioprocessing techniques. The modernization of upstream and downstream bioprocesses is starting to unfold, and drug manufacturers are struggling especially in the Central US. The biotech industries main concentration is on the East and West coasts. This means equipment manufacturers, sales support, and technical information are readily available on these coasts. Illinois-based MopHius Analytics takes a unique approach to help clients in the Central US overcome the hurdles of optimizing bioprocessing techniques. “I call the central US the forgotten children of biotech,” says Fred Schneider, president at MopHius Analytics. “With the focus of biotech being on the East and West coast, the manufactures, technical sales representatives and tech support are focused on supporting these coasts. We focus on process analytical technology (PAT) through quality by design (QbD) infrastructure; we bring the laboratory into the process space. We are here to help clients streamline the development of biopharmaceuticals with our extensive knowledge in cell line development, upstream and downstream bioprocessing.”

According to Schneider, most biotech companies in their upstream process use “grab samples” obtained from a bioreactor using laboratory procedures to make any necessary changes in their process. These laboratory procedures are not always treated as a critical process, such as maintaining the pH of a sample. Further, the siloed operations of labs and bioreactors maximize the risk of errors in the overall bioprocess. The primary reason behind these setbacks is a lack of knowledge in these parameters such as pH and dissolved oxygen measurements. How to take, run and maintain samples is critical in making any changes in your bioprocess. To address this, MopHius Analytics provides “Doctor Day,” a training program that focuses on the essentials of practical pH and dissolved oxygen measurement. Dissolved oxygen and pH are one of the most common and routine types of analyses, but in order to achieve precision and accuracy, proper technique must be followed. “Doctor Day” also includes guidance on laboratory analytical benches and bioreactors to help clients understand the design of the equipment and how to take samples effectively. “One of the things that customers learn with Doctor Day is the selection of the correct pH sensor, which streamlines the collection and analysis of a sample to deliver the efficient execution of an upstream process run,” explains Schneider. Understanding the difference in sensor technology and utilizing proper procedure will ensure a more consistent process.

It’s time to flip, twist and connect the biotech industry

That said, MopHius Analytics offers the knowledge solutions of pH sensors that are focused on providing long-term and single-use applications for bioreactor processes. These solutions are highly flexible and can easily be deployed in client firms ranging from small biotech companies to large drug manufacturers. MopHius Analytics’ pH sensor products, coupled with its unmatched experience within the bioprocess industry and Doctor Day, ensure the delivery of quality information to help clients create bioprocesses that produce a higher yield and better-quality cells. “The proof is in the pudding,” states Schneider. “You do not need to believe me, try it yourself. The strategies I show you will give you the confidence to make better decisions for your bioprocess performance,” he adds.

To highlight the efficacy of MopHius’ offerings, Schneider cites a case scenario where his company helped a client resolve a problem in maintaining the consistency of their cell yield. Initially, MopHius gathered information on the customer’s existing operating procedure and recognized the discrepancies in the pH analysis process. After carefully analyzing the data provided by the client, MopHius offered recommendations on their laboratory pH sensors, process sensors, and sampling techniques in order to achieve consistent yields for each run. “We were able to assist them in retaining consistency by leveraging laboratory-based measurements from gathering samples of the bioreactors to properly know when to change in-situ sensors,” informs Schneider. After working with MopHius Analytics, the customer was able to perform root cause analysis in seconds or minutes rather than hours or days to sustain the stability and reproducibility of their bioprocesses.

At the core of MopHius Analytics’ superior optimization of bioprocesses is the company’s technically adept and highly motivated team. With frequent visits to global biotech conferences and a strong background in the industry, team MopHius can comprehend the newer technologies and predict upcoming challenges in the bioprocess community. Looking ahead, the company is planning to expand its workforce by hiring product managers and bringing the focus of the overall biotech industry to the central US region. To conclude, Schneider reiterates MopHius’ vision: “We want to optimize the process of creating reproducible data and develop an infrastructure that allows customers to collect, analyze, and share data automatically.”