Upstream Essentials: Cell Culture and Bioreactor Operations (Theory and Practical)

Level

Introductory

Format

Instructor-led, virtual (half day); on-site, practical, including essential theory (2 days)

Duration

2.5 days

Cost

$2,406

Overview

Upstream operations form the foundation of successful biopharmaceutical manufacturing. These processes include multiple time-intensive steps where rigorous contamination control is essential to protecting product quality and consistency. Preventing contamination during open aseptic handling of cell cultures, as well as within closed systems, is critical to sustaining high manufacturing success rates. Bioreactors, with their complex components, play a central role in maintaining optimal conditions for living cells, enabling high productivity and consistent product quality.

Why It’s Essential

Upstream operators must develop a range of skills and competencies to perform effectively, as human error in these processes can quickly lead to batch failure. Proactively investing in training helps minimize the risk of costly setbacks. This course establishes a strong foundation for successful upstream operations by guiding participants through every critical step of the process—from thawing a vial to preparing a pilot-scale, single-use bioreactor system.

Learning Objectives

• Understand the main upstream processing steps and how they are connected

• Practice aseptic techniques in the context of handling mammalian cell cultures

• List the equipment required for scale-up of mammalian cultures

• Describe how to perform sampling, cell counting and metabolite measurements during cell culture operations

• Identify and describe the components of glass, single-use, and rocking motion bioreactor systems

• Inspect and install a 200 L single-use bioreactor bag

Who Should Attend

• New industry hires onboarding into upstream processing roles (manufacturing or process development)

• Job seekers, biomanufacturing operators, technical personnel who want to upskill or cross-skill

• Production supervisors, managers or sales personnel who want to refresh or expand their foundational skills in upstream operations

Participants who successfully complete a theoretical assessment will receive a certificate of completion.