Services
Downstream
Cultiply is a comprehensive platform for the development (CRO service) and production (CMO service) of a wide variety of microorganisms, proteins, enzymes and other biological components.
Centrifugation
Centrifugation is a physical separation process that is based on the application of centrifugal forces through the use of a device called a centrifuge on a sample in suspension, which contains different components with different densities. Centrifugal force causes the denser components to settle to the bottom of the tube or rotor and the lighter components to remain at the top, forming the supernatant.
In the field of biotechnology, centrifugation is a very useful technique for separating microbial biomass from culture media and obtaining the desired products. It can also be used to obtain fractions with different cellular components, such as membranes, ribosomes, and chloroplasts, among others.
At Cultiply, we use centrifugation at different scales to carry out separation and fractionation processes, with laboratory, pilot, and industrial-scale equipment. In this way, we can adapt the process to the needs of each project and obtain high-quality and pure products. In addition, our experts are trained to select the right type of centrifugation and conditions to maximize process performance and minimize costs.
Cell disruption
Cell disruption is a process used to release the contents of cells, to obtain proteins or other intracellular compounds. This procedure can also be used to inactivate cultures or to generate extracts from them. At Cultiply, we employ a reliable and inexpensive cell disruption technology, based on mechanical procedures. We avoid the use of chemical products or hydrolytic enzymes that can alter or contaminate the cell content and thus we guarantee a cleaner and more effective process.
Our cell disruption technology enables the disruption of cell membranes with high efficiency, which means that a high amount of proteins and other intracellular compounds can be obtained in a short time. Additionally, our disruption process is highly controlled and adjustable, allowing us to tailor it to different cell types and cultures.
Filtration
At Cultiply, we use the tangential flow filtration (or Cross-flow filtration) technique as a cell concentration process and for the fractionation or concentration of different cellular components, such as proteins, lipids, or organelles. Cross-flow filtration is an inexpensive, robust, and scalable process that has numerous advantages over conventional filtration.
Cross-flow filtration allows for the selective separation of cellular components based on their size and molecular weight, which allows us to obtain purer and more concentrated products. In addition, the cross-flow filtration process is more efficient than conventional filtration, as the cross-flow prevents particle buildup on the membrane surface, reducing the risk of clogging and increasing membrane life.
Another advantage of cross-flow filtration is that it is a gentler process on cells and cell components since less aggressive forces are used compared to other separation processes. Furthermore, cross-flow filtration is a scalable process, which means we can adapt it to different volumes and scales of production without compromising product quality.
Lyophilization
We use the freeze-drying technique as a method of preserving microorganisms, proteins, and other biological components. Freeze-drying is a downstream process that consists of removing water from the product by sublimation, that is, the transformation of water from a solid to a gaseous state, without going through the liquid state.
Freeze-drying is especially useful for preserving products that are sensitive to high temperatures since it is carried out at very low temperatures, below the freezing point. In this way, the alteration of the structure and biological activity of the products is avoided, which allows them to preserve their properties for long periods.
At Cultiply, we offer customized freeze-drying services, adapting to the needs of our clients in terms of product characteristics and conservation requirements. Our freeze-drying process is carried out in specialized and controlled facilities, which guarantees the quality and stability of the final product.
Spray-drying
We use the Spray Drying technique as a system for drying and preserving biological products. The spray-drying process consists of spraying an aqueous solution or suspension into a current of hot air, generating small droplets that dry in contact with the hot air. This allows most of the moisture in the product to evaporate, leaving a thin layer of dry powder that can be stored for long periods.
The Spray Drying technique is very cost-effective and robust, which makes it an attractive option for the production of alternative proteins or biofertilizer products in Cultiply. In addition, this process is fast and efficient, which allows us to produce large quantities of product in a short time.
At Cultiply, we have specialized and state-of-the-art equipment to carry out the Spray Drying process in an efficient and controlled manner, guaranteeing the quality of the final product. In addition, we offer analysis and validation services to ensure that the dry product meets the required quality and stability requirements.
Protein purification
At Cultiply, we specialize in protein purification, which involves the separation of one or more target proteins from a complex sample. To accomplish this, we employ a variety of techniques, including size exclusion, ion exchange, hydrophobic interaction, or affinity chromatography, among others.
Size exclusion chromatography is a technique used to separate proteins based on their molecular size. In this technique, a column of porous gel is used, through which the complex sample is passed. Larger proteins are excluded from the gel, while smaller proteins can penetrate the pores of the gel and are temporarily retained.
Ion exchange chromatography is based on the electrical charge of proteins. In this technique, a resin with the opposite charge to that of the proteins of interest is used, allowing selective retention of proteins based on their electrical charge.
Hydrophobic interaction chromatography is based on the hydrophobicity of proteins. In this technique, a column with a hydrophobic resin is used, which allows selective retention of the most hydrophobic proteins.
Lastly, affinity chromatography relies on the ability of certain proteins to specifically bind to specific ligands. In this technique, a resin with a specific ligand that selectively binds to the protein of interest is used.
