Mammalian Cell Culture Bioreactors (Hands-on Course) - Coming 2026

Gain hands-on experience in the set-up and aseptic operation of single-use bioreactors for the culture of mammalian cells

This course is designed to provide delegates with a practical understanding of the set-up, inoculation and operation of lab and small pilot scale, single-use bioreactors for the culture of different types of mammalian cell used for biotherapeutic and vaccine production.

The course will provide delegates opportunities to sub-culture adherent HEK cells and suspension CHO cells from shake flask sub-culture through to laboratory scale bioreactors including a single-use, stirred bioreactor system (10L scale) and an iCellis® Fixed-Bed Bioreactor.

Delegates will get hands-on experience with mammalian cell sub-culture prior to familiarisation with standard operating procedures (SOPs) for typical mammalian bioprocesses. Delegates will also be provided with hands-on training in aseptic technique, seed train preparation and maintenance, and bioreactor seeding, sampling, and operation. Delegates will also be given key insight into operational methods/alternatives and general design considerations for mammalian bioprocesses.

In addition, delegates will learn industrially relevant analytical techniques including cell counting, viability and metabolite analysis

This MBI is recommended for:

The Hands-on Mammalian Cell Culture course is designed for all those involved in mammalian upstream bioprocessing including:

  • Early career academic researchers looking to transition into research or industry
  • Bioprocess and manufacturing engineers
  • Technical experts from external fields looking to transition into the biotech industry

Dr Ivano L. Colao is a member of the UCL technical staff who has worked on numerous industrially collaborative projects which span most cell types relevant to biopharmaceutical manufacture including, but not limited to, E. coli, P. pastoris, CHO, HEK, Jurkat, T-/CAR T- Cell, Neural Stem Cell, and primary umbilical cord-derived MSC. His research interests lie within the Cell and Gene Therapy Manufacturing space, Ivano has undertaken industrial training and technology transfers in upstream processing across a wide range of bioreactor formats and scales in laboratories ranging from academic research labs, GMP manufacturing laboratories and regulated tissue banking facilities. One of his main motivations is to deliver training to academics which better reflect industrial excellence.


Day 1

  • Introduction to UCL and the MBI Training Programme
  • Introduction to mammalian bioprocesses
  • Single-use and non-STR bioreactors
  • Familiarisation with a mammalian cell culture SOP
  • Bioreactor set-up and stabilisation

Day 2

  • Seed train preparation and aseptic technique
  • Bioreactor inoculation, time-0 setting and sampling
  • Adherent  HEK passaging and maintenance

Day 3

  • Bioprocess troubleshooting and good practice
  • Demonstration of packed bed bioreactor operation
  • Product/culture analytics

Day 4

  • Data analysis and presentation
  • Group project: mammalian bioprocess evaluation and presentations

Key Information

Dates: Coming in 2026
Module Leader: Dr Ivano L. Colao
Location: UCL East - Marshgate
Price: TBC

Contact

E: mbi-training@ucl.ac.uk
T: +44 (0) 20 7679 9613