Life Innovation | RESEARCH

Solutions for Cell-based Manufacturing

Connecting life science R&D to industrial production ensures optimal control of the biological manufacturing process.

Innovation Center is developing technologies to measure cell activities, predict the behavior of cells in several hours, and optimally control the metabolism of cells for the production of cell-based biological medicine. The results of this R&D will greatly improve the efficiency and stability of bio production.

 

Perfusion Culture Control System for Antibody Production

The system measures crucial parameters for the multivariable culture process in real time and quickly determines better conditions.

In the upstream cell culture process for antibody production, there is growing demand for perfusion culture, which features high cell density and long-term operation. Based on Yokogawa’s measurement and control technologies, the system helps achieve stable operation for a long period and efficiently searches for the optimal conditions. The key to development is how to precisely grasp and control cell conditions.

 

Biological Contamination Management

The novel bio-sensing solution enables on-site genetic testing and revolutionizes microbial management in the food and beverage manufacturing process.

Based on the new concept of genetic testing, it is possible to identify the cause of microbial contamination with a simple operation, enabling quick and appropriate countermeasures. In the manufacturing process, including foods and beverages, the ideal contamination control system is realized by combining rapid sensing and skill free sensing.

 

Development of testing methods for biological contamination

We provide biological contamination management that is both rapid and skillless with advanced high-sensitivity biosensing techniques.

The rapid nucleic acid extraction technology and the highly sensitive fluorescence measurement technology greatly shorten the inspection time. The signaling array technology and unique testing devices greatly simplify the process and enable on-site genetic testing. It provides ideal contamination management by achieving both rapid and skillless sensing.

 

 

Special peptide chemical synthesis solution

The multi‐unit continuous flow chemical synthesis system contributes to the improvement of production efficiency of various sequences of peptide APIs.

We aim to develop a highly efficient and spacesaving next‐generation peptide drug substance production platform by using a multi‐unit continuous flow chemical synthesis system with a non‐contact in‐line sensor and reaction end point simulation technology using a microreaction field temperature sensor. Through this research and development, we aim to contribute to improving the production efficiency of various sequences of peptide APIs required by our customers. We also aim to provide new quality control methods by realizing in‐process control using QbD (*) with inline sensors capable of non‐contact real‐time measurement.
*QbD: Quality by Design

 

Solutions for Improving Cell Productivity

Yokogawa combines its measurement and control technologies to create a cell production system that works just like an in vivo environment, enhancing regenerative medicine.

Although iPS cells are expected to be used for regenerative medicine, they take a long time to differentiate and mature into target cells or tissues. It is crucial to improve the functionality of target cells and control their quality for cell production. Yokogawa is developing technologies to produce highly functional cells with stable quality.

 

Measurement of H2O2 Concentration

Real-time measurement of the amount and concentration of condensed hydrogen peroxide achieves quantitative decontamination control.
In the decontamination of isolators for regenerative medicine, the concentration of condensed H2O2 droplets is an important parameter. Currently, however, there is no instrument that can measure droplet concentration in-line, and so it is controlled based on the amount of H2O2 solution and the elapsed time of decontamination. Direct measurement of the concentration of condensed H2O2 droplets will ensure stable decontamination.

Noncontact, High-speed, and High-sensitivity Gas Analyzer

TDLS technology can measure minute spaces and solve intractable production problems.

Recently, production systems have been shifting from mass production to multiple products in small quantities and high value-added products such as pharmaceuticals. Various problems are emerging during this transition. Although batch control is used in these production lines, fluctuations in the process are often overlooked, making it difficult to adjust the production volume. In addition, it is impractical to perform destructive inspection on expensive products for quality control. Yokogawa solves these problems by using high-sensitivity measurement with TDLS(※) technology.
※TDLS: Tunable Diode Laser Spectroscopy

AI Agriculture

By applying AI to agriculture, Yokogawa will build a sustainable food supply chain that is less affected by global warming.

There are many concerns over the future of the food supply, including poor harvests and lower quality due to global warming and food shortages caused by rapid population and economic growth in developing countries. AI technology can ensure a robust food supply chain by providing recipes for cultivating plants in plant factories that use natural or artificial light.

 

Marine Ranching System

Making full use of huge reserves of nutrients in the deep sea will boost marine resources.

Biological productivity is extremely low in offshore areas. Yokogawa aims to build a new ecosystem in such areas to increase marine resources. Specifically, deep water, which is rich in nutrients, will be pumped up using natural energy, where sunlight will enhance the growth of phytoplankton. By stimulating the food chain, the system will increase the supply of fishery products.