160: The Ultimate Guide to Accelerating Perfusion Process Development Using 96-Deep-Well Plates with Tom Valentin - Part 2

In this concluding episode of our deep dive into miniaturized perfusion systems, we tackle the most challenging aspect: implementing meaningful process analytical technology (PAT) at microscale while keeping costs realistic for high-throughput applications. Tom Valentin, group leader at CSEM for Automated Sample Handling, continues sharing CSEM's pioneering work in automated sample handling, revealing both the breakthrough opportunities and stubborn technical barriers that define the current state of small-scale perfusion development. Critical insights you'll gain from this episode: The PAT miniaturization challenge is about more than size: While optical density sensors work reasonably well for microbial cultures, mammalian cell applications demand more sophisticated solutions. Tom explains why viable cell density remains the "holy grail"—and how promising technologies from companies like IMEC and Inspec are pushing the boundaries, though cost-effective 96-well implementation remains elusive Smart compromises can unlock practical solutions: Tom reveals why the industry may need to accept hybrid approaches—real-time pH and DO monitoring combined with once-daily viable cell density sampling. He also explains the unique challenges of sensor positioning in shaking deep-well plates where liquid dynamics create measurement complexities Partnership models that actually work for biotech innovation: Beyond the technical discussion, Tom outlines CSEM's proven collaboration approaches, including how Innoswiss funding can provide 50% cost reduction for development projects and why their 70% proposal success rate makes them an attractive R&D partner for both startups and established pharma companies Discover how bioprocessing is evolving - from high-throughput screening to digital twins and continuous manufacturing- in these expert-led episodes. Episode 155: From Process Bottlenecks to Seamless Production: How Continuous Bioprocessing Changes Everything Episodes 153-154: The Future of Bioprocessing: Industry 4.0, Digital Twins, and Continuous Manufacturing Strategies with Tiago Matos Episodes 85-86: Bioprocess 4.0: Integrated Continuous Biomanufacturing with Massimo Morbidelli Episodes 73-74: Bead-Based Assays: The Power of High-Throughput Screening with Sebastian Giehring Connect with Tom Valentin: LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/tom-valentin-5bb9091b Website: www.csem.ch/en Email: [email protected] Next step: Book a free consultation to help you get started on any questions you may have about bioprocessing analytics: https://bruehlmann-consulting.com/call Develop bioprocessing technologies better, faster, at a fraction of the cost with our 1:1 Strategy Call: The quickest and easiest way to excel biotech technology development. Book your call at www.bruehlmann-consulting.com/call/ Free 5-day email course, The CMC Failure Chain: the five recurring CMC mistakes that put your promising program at risk → Get it here Support the show