Seed train optimization for cell culture.

For the production of biopharmaceuticals a seed train is required to generate an adequate number of cells for inoculation of the production bioreactor. This seed train is time- and cost-intensive but offers potential for optimization. A method and a protocol are described for the seed train mapping, directed modeling without major effort, and its optimization regarding selected optimization criteria such as optimal points in time for cell passaging. Furthermore, the method can also be applied for the set-up of a new seed train, for example for a new cell line. Although the chapter is directed towards suspension cell lines, the method is also generally applicable, e.g. for adherent cell lines.