Bioprocessamento de Células Animais

Objectives

The course “Animal Cell Bioprocessing” aims to provide students with an integrated and applied understanding of the principles and practices involved in biotechnological production based on animal cells. Students will acquire fundamental knowledge on the design and control of biotechnological processes, from cell line selection and engineering to the harvesting, purification and formulation of biological products. The course promotes an interdisciplinary approach, with a focus on emerging technologies and current applications, preparing students to address the challenges associated with the development and scale-up of bioprocesses to produce cell therapies, extracellular vesicles, antibodies, viral vectors, and other complex cell-derived products.

Syllabus

Principles of animal cell bioprocessing. Cell culture platforms and metabolism. Genetic engineering and therapeutic cell types. Kinetics and media formulation. Bioreactor design and oxygen transfer. Scale-up and intensification. Critical parameters and process control. In-line monitoring and sensors. Analytical tools and omics approaches. Product quality and critical quality attributes. Cell harvesting strategies. Purification of extracellular vesicles, viral vectors, and antibodies. Formulation, stability, and distribution. Regulatory and GMP requirements. Practical applications through case studies: monoclonal antibodies, CAR-T/CAR-NK, viral vectors, extracellular vesicles, cellular agriculture and other emerging topics in bioprocessing.

Prerequisites

Fluency in the practice of calculations and use of quantitative thinking in Science and Engineering

Cross Competence Component

This course allows students to develop Transversal Skills in the following areas: i) Critical and Innovative Thinking: the group work based on case studies enables students to develop critical thinking, creativity, strategic analysis, and problem-solving skills in the context of complex challenges related to animal cell bioprocessing. Theoretical and theoretical-practical classes, as well as the final exam, reinforce these skills through the integrated application of technical and scientific knowledge. Conducting an interview with a professional in the field further stimulates the formulation of relevant questions and contextualization of acquired knowledge. ii) Interpersonal Skills: the development of the group project and its oral presentation — delivered in the format of a lecture to classmates — promotes teamwork, written and oral communication skills, and the ability to explain and justify technical decisions clearly and effectively. The interview with a professional also help develop active listening and targeted communication. iii) Intrapersonal Skills: the planning, execution, and delivery of the project contribute to the development of autonomy, individual responsibility, productivity, and effective time management. The assessment weight associated with these skills is approximately 20%, primarily reflected in the case study component and the final presentation.

Laboratorial Component

No laboratory component.

Programming And Computing Component

No programming and computing components.

Ethical Principles

All members of a group are responsible for the group’s work In any assessment every student shall honestly disclose any help received and sources used. In an oral assessment, every student shall be alble to present and answer questions about the entire assignment and solution.