Tell us about a situation where you had to troubleshoot a cell culture process issue. How did you identify the problem and implement corrective actions?

In my previous role as a Cell Culture Scientist at XYZ Biotech, I encountered a situation where we were experiencing low cell viability in our culture process. To identify the problem, I first reviewed the process parameters, including media composition, pH, and temperature. I also examined the equipment, such as the incubator and shaker, to ensure they were functioning properly. Through careful observation, I noticed that the cells were clumping together, indicating a potential issue with cell aggregation. To confirm this, I performed cell counting and microscopy analysis, which revealed higher than usual levels of aggregation. To address the problem, I adjusted the agitation speed of the shaker and optimized the media formulation to prevent clumping. Additionally, I implemented a filtration step to remove any particulate matter that could contribute to aggregation. These corrective actions successfully improved cell viability, resulting in higher-quality cell production.

In my previous role as a Cell Culture Scientist at XYZ Biotech, I encountered a situation where we were experiencing low cell viability in our culture process. To identify the problem, I thoroughly reviewed the process parameters, including media composition, pH, temperature, and dissolved oxygen levels. I also conducted a comprehensive inspection of the equipment, ensuring proper calibration and functionality of the incubator, shaker, and pipettes. To gain insights into the cell behavior, I performed cell counting, viability assays, and cell cycle analysis. Through careful observation and microscopy examination, I discovered that the cells were forming aggregates and exhibiting signs of apoptosis. I suspected that improper agitation could be contributing to the issue. To address this, I adjusted the agitation speed and optimized the media formulation, incorporating factors that promote cell growth and prevent aggregation. Additionally, I introduced a filtration step to remove any particulate matter that could disrupt cell cultures. To validate the effectiveness of these corrective actions, I monitored cell viability and growth rate over several passages and performed rigorous quality checks. These interventions successfully improved cell viability, resulting in higher-quality cell production.

In my previous role as a Cell Culture Scientist at XYZ Biotech, I encountered a situation where we were experiencing low cell viability in our culture process. To identify the problem, I conducted a systematic investigation that encompassed multiple aspects of the cell culture process. I meticulously reviewed the process parameters, scrutinizing media composition, pH, temperature, dissolved oxygen levels, and nutrients. I also conducted an extensive audit of the equipment, ensuring proper calibration and functionality of the incubator, shaker, pipettes, and filters. To gain comprehensive insights into the cell behavior, I performed a range of analyses, including cell counting, cell viability assays, cell cycle analysis, gene expression profiling, and apoptosis detection. Through careful observation using phase-contrast and fluorescent microscopy, I discovered that the cells were forming large aggregates and exhibiting signs of apoptosis at a specific passage. This observation led me to suspect that improper agitation and a suboptimal media formulation could be contributing to the issue. To address this, I not only adjusted the agitation speed but also optimized the media formulation, ensuring an optimal balance of growth factors, cytokines, and serum concentration. To prevent contamination and minimize detrimental effects, I introduced a stringent filtration step with multiple filters of varying pore sizes. To validate the effectiveness of these corrective actions, I instituted a comprehensive monitoring system that involved continuous tracking of cell viability, growth rate, metabolic activity, and product yield over multiple passages. In addition, I implemented rigorous quality checks, including sterility testing and endotoxin assays, to ensure compliance with regulatory standards. Throughout the troubleshooting process, I maintained meticulous records of all steps taken, including process modifications, data analysis, and quality control results. These records, coupled with effective communication and collaboration with cross-functional teams, facilitated process optimization and allowed for seamless tech-transfer from lab scale to production scale, resulting in improved cell viability and enhanced overall cell culture process.