Optimization of cell density and dilution rate in Pichia pastoris continuous fermentations for production of recombinant proteins.

This paper provides an approach for optimizing the cell density (Xc) and dilution rate (D) in a chemostat for a Pichia pastoris continuous fermentation for the extracellular production of a recombinant protein, interferon tau (INF-tau). The objective was to maximize the volumetric productivity (Q, mg INF-tau l(-1) h(-1)), which was accomplished using response surface methodology (RSM) to model the response of Q as a function of Xc and D within the ranges 150< or = Xc < or =450 g cells (wet weight) l(-1) and 0.1 microm< or = D< or =0.

Improved production of recombinant ovine interferon-tau by mut(+) strain of Pichia pastoris using an optimized methanol feed profile.

Recombinant ovine interferon-tau (r-oIFN-tau) production by Pichia pastoris was studied using methanol as the sole carbon source during induction. The cells were grown on glycerol up to a certain cell density before induction of the AOX1 promoter by methanol for expression of the recombinant protein. Cell growth on methanol has been modeled using a substrate-feed equation, which served as the basis for an effective computer control of the process.