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Enable efficient upstream media decisions
Early media evaluation often slows progress in upstream (USP) development. Sequential testing, limited capacity, and competing priorities can extend timelines and delay critical decisions when multiple formulations need to be assessed. High-throughput media screening (HTS) helps address this challenge by enabling concurrent evaluation of Gibco catalog media, feeds, and prototype formulations at the micro-scale. By expanding the number of conditions assessed early, this approach can generate comparative performance data within a defined timeframe. For process developers and scientists responsible for early media selection, this supports the narrowing of candidates and more confident progression decisions.
How the HTS service works
The high-throughput screening process follows a structured workflow that balances speed with data quality. The service moves from feasibility assessment into automated, concurrent screening across Gibco catalog media, feeds, and prototype formulations, then advances selected conditions into scale-relevant verification. Results are reviewed together, typically within a 12-week timeframe, to support the selection of a lead formulation.
- 1. Initial feasibility screening
- 2. High-throughput evaluation
- 3. Verification
- 4. Selection
Initial feasibility screening at micro-scale
Establish baseline performance and confirm suitability for expanded screening by assessing cell growth and productivity in 96-well screening plates. This step efficiently evaluates selected Gibco media and prototype formulations, helping teams determine which conditions should progress.
High-throughput evaluation of media and feed conditions
Once feasibility is confirmed, screening expands to a broader set of conditions. Up to 180 Gibco catalog media and feed combinations, including both catalog and prototype formulations, are evaluated in automated high-throughput deep-well (DW) plate formats.
Verification of top-performing formulations in bioreactors
Up to 15 top-performing candidates are progressed into shake flasks or small-scale bioreactors. Evaluating performance at this stage offers growth and productivity data at a more relevant scale. Teams can assess whether observed trends are maintained before advancing a formulation.
Selection of a lead formulation for next-stage development
Screening and verification results are reviewed together to inform the selection of a lead formulation. Observed growth and productivity trends at different scales help teams determine which candidate to move forward with optimization and scale-up.
Frequently asked questions
High-throughput screening reduces time spent on media selection by evaluating multiple Gibco catalog media and prototype conditions concurrently rather than sequentially. Automated, micro-scale formats allow multiple formulations to be assessed simultaneously within a defined service timeline. This approach shortens evaluation, limits rework, and helps teams narrow options faster than custom or internally managed screening efforts.
High-throughput media screening may be used in early upstream process development to efficiently compare multiple media and feed options in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell lines. The service is well-suited for programs in development or in the process of establishment that are moving toward scale-up but are not yet ready for full media development. It can also support platform or pipeline workflows that require comparative evaluation across candidates.
Before a lead formulation is selected, top-performing candidates are moved into verification at a larger scale. Typically, up to 15 candidates are evaluated in shake flasks or small-scale bioreactors to confirm growth and productivity trends observed during screening. This step helps teams assess performance consistency across scales and supports informed selection of a formulation to advance into next-stage development.
Selection of the top-performing media, up to 15 candidates, is based on comparative growth and productivity metrics generated during screening. Key readouts include cell growth, viability, and productivity indicators relevant to the workflow. These metrics are reviewed together to identify lead media and feed combinations.
Explore related services to enhance upstream processes
High-throughput media screening often serves as a starting point rather than an endpoint. As process needs evolve, results from HTS can feed directly into Gibco Media by Design Services, supporting targeted optimization, refinement of existing formulations, or progression into broader media development workflows.
Additional bioprocessing resources
Bioprocessing resources
For research use or further manufacturing. Not for diagnostic use or direct administration into humans or animals.