Virus Retention for Cell Culture Media
Virus-retentive filtration is a highly effective method for reducing contamination in cell culture media. Designed specifically for chemically defined formulations, Virosart® Media employs an optimized polyethersulfone membrane to deliver high-throughput filtration, with average capacities of 800–1,000 L/m² achieved in just four hours.
Virosart® Media ensures reliable viral risk mitigation by efficiently removing both small, non-enveloped viruses such as MVM (LRV ≥ 4 log₁₀) and larger enveloped viruses such as MuLV (LRV ≥ 6 log₁₀). Available as sterile mid-scale and process-scale modules, as well as pre-assembled virus filter transfer units, Virosart® Media simplifies operation and maximizes efficiency.
Challenges in Virus Risk Mitigation for Media Preparation
Multiple bioreactor contaminations reported over the past several years have been caused by small, non-enveloped viruses like MVM and vesivirus, originating from raw materials.
A New Virus Risk Mitigation Strategy
A new approach involves removing viruses from the media immediately after preparation, before it enters the bioreactor, to prevent potential contamination. Virus filtration is a proven and well-established technology in the market, capable of removing all types of viruses larger than 20 nm.
Explore Virosart® Media
Product Overview
Virosart® Media is a virus-retentive filter specifically designed for upstream applications. Unlike virus filters originally developed for downstream processes, this newly developed media filter addresses current upstream bottlenecks and offers a cost-effective solution with the highest filter capacity for cell culture media.
Virus Risk Mitigation in Media Preparation for:
- Chemically defined cell culture media
- Addition of media supplements, such as CaCl₂
- Both powder and liquid media
Optimal protection for the bioreactor:
- ≥ 4 log₁₀ reduction for small non-enveloped viruses
- ≥ 6 log₁₀ reduction for large enveloped viruses
New high-performance PES membranes:
- Economic solution for upstream virus media filtration
- High capacities and flow rates
- No impact on cell culture performance
Sterile delivery due to gamma-irradiatable capsule design:
- Ready to use
- Easy implementation into single-use processes
Performance Deep Dive
Technical Validation
Performance
In total >15 different commercially available cell culture media were tested with the Virosart® Media.
Retentive Capacities
Virosart® Media shows high retention for all tested viruses. The reliable performance of the media virus retentive filter helps to mitigate risk and enhance speed from process to commercial scale.
| Organism | Description | LRV |
|---|---|---|
| MVM | Relevant and model virus for small non-enveloped virus | ≥ 4 log₁₀ |
| MuLV | Model virus for large enveloped viruses | ≥ 6 log₁₀ |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Virosart® Media filters are primarily used for virus-retentive filtration of chemically defined cell culture media. They are implemented after media preparation and before transfer to the bioreactor, and are suitable for both in-line filtration (e.g., perfusion) and batch filtration processes.
Virosart® Media is highly effective in virus removal, providing logarithmic reduction values of ≥ 4 log₁₀ for small non-enveloped viruses such as MVM and ≥ 6 log₁₀ for large enveloped viruses like MuLV. This ensures reliable viral risk mitigation in upstream media virus filtration processes.
Yes, Virosart® Media filters are designed for easy integration into single-use processes. They are available in gamma-irradiatable capsule designs, enabling sterile delivery and quick installation, making them ideal for single-use applications.
The performance of Virosart® Media filters can be influenced by the specific media used, including additives like poloxamere. An efficient pre-filtration step, such as using Sartopore® 2 XLM, can enhance the capacity of the final virus filter. The optimal pre-filter to final filter ratio should be determined during the development of the process step.
Virosart® Media filters are available in lab, mid-scale, and process modules. The lab module (5.0 cm²) is used for scale-up studies, growth studies, and small-scale production. The mid-scale module (0.3 m²) is suitable for optimization and GLP spiking studies, while the process module (1.0 m²) is designed for large-scale manufacturing. Each module is available in sterile and non-sterile versions, with various connector options to suit different applications.
