“We are planning to launch a new bioprocess controller in Q1 2021”

Bioprocess engineers develop and produce a multitude of products and ingredients available today. Their applications are diverse, and the products can be found in pharmaceutical, chemical, and nutrition industries. With an integrated portfolio comprising software, instruments, consumables, and services, Eppendorf can satisfy the demands of bioprocess development through production. To find out about what major is in store at Eppendorf Bioprocess, BioSpectrum spoke to Richard Mirro, Business Manager, Bioprocess at Eppendorf, Inc., US.

- Dr Manbeena Chawla

What are the current opportunities and challenges at Eppendorf Bioprocess?

Eppendorf serves the upstream bioprocess market with scalable bioprocess systems, reusable and single-use bioreactors and fermenters, and software solutions. This market is an extremely diverse landscape including therapeutics, food, chemicals, and biofuels. Both challenges and opportunities arise from this diversity. Finding the right balance between dedicated bioreactors serving limited market segments, and supplying flexible bioprocess controllers and software capable of supporting any process requirements is an ongoing challenge. However, serving various segments may compensate market fluctuations. Exponential growth and investment within some biotechnology market areas, particularly vaccine research and development, have significantly increased demand and buffered slowdowns in other market segments. Technology-wise, we observe a trend towards decreasing vessel sizes and single-use solutions, especially in the field of biologics. This clearly favours the Eppendorf single-use bioreactor portfolio, currently covering working volumes up to 50 L, but also our reusable solutions at small and bench scale. As indicated, bioprocess applications and techniques change and so need to do our products. Balancing new product introductions and continuing support of legacy equipment is another challenge.

How is the company responding to the ongoing pandemic? What all steps have been taken so far?