Shimadzu has released the C2MAP-2000 automated pretreatment module for cell culture media analysis. It pretreats culture media samples by adding reagents such as a deproteinising agent or internal standard substance, filters precipitated proteins and dilutes samples. The C2MAP system combines the C2MAP-2000 module with a Shimadzu ultra-fast liquid chromatograph mass spectrometer (LC-MS/MS). By automating all the process steps from pretreatment to measurement, the C2MAP system shortens the culture media analysis time for up to 95 components in culture supernatants to one sixth of the previous level. In addition, this system can be operated by less experienced operators.
After simply loading culture supernatant samples, reagents and pairs of filter and recovery vials, the C2MAP-2000 module is able to execute all steps from pretreatment to LC-MS/MS measurement without any human intervention. This enables samples to be controlled using the same ID for all process steps, which minimises the risk of selecting the wrong sample while ensuring traceability. C2MAP-TRENDS time-course viewer software loads the measurement data obtained and graphs temporal changes in each component concentration as trend graphs.
In recent years in antibody pharmaceutical fields, it has become increasingly important to record the consumption of components and accumulation of waste matter (secreted metabolites) in culture media, so that cell cultivation parameters can be optimised for manufacturing drug substances. In addition, in regenerative medicine fields that involve iPS, ES or other cells, there is a need for technology that can evaluate cell quality in real time without damaging the cells. There is also a need to reduce the replacement frequency of expensive culture media. Since monitoring the changes in culture supernatant components over time provides information that is useful in these fields, the role of LC-MS/MS analysis has increased in the optimisation of cell culture conditions.
However, there has been a lack of products available to seamlessly perform all processes from sample preparation to measurement. Shimadzu’s development of the C2MAP system, therefore, be of value at major pharmaceutical companies, biotech ventures, pharmaceutical CMOs (contract manufacturing organisations) and various research institutions. In the future, Shimadzu intends to offer solutions based on LC-MS/MS measurement technology for controlling and optimising of cell cultivation process steps.
