ABSTRACT
Animal cell cultures can be considered, in many ways, similar to cultures of microorganisms, such as bacteria, yeasts, and filamentous molds, presenting several common characteristics, for instance the major variables to be monitored and controlled. However, there are some specific culture variables that may require different strategies. This chapter presents the basic concepts of bioprocess monitoring and control, with emphasis on the specific requirements of the cultures of animal cells. This will start with a description of the general goals of process monitoring and control, a description of the main variables involved, and finally, the most commonly used control strategies. It should be noted that developments in electronics and computer
science have contributed significantly to the improvement of monitoring culture systems and process control. However, there are still some areas for further general improvement of cell culture bioprocess monitoring and control, such as the estimation of cell concentration in real time. Several basic texts may supplement this chapter: Kilburn (1991), Schu¨gerl (1991, 2001), and Sonnleitner (2000).
