Featured Technology: Corning® Ascent® Fixed Bed Bioreactor System

A major challenge for manufacturing adherent cells for advanced therapies is producing the large quantities of cells needed in a cost-effective manner. To address the need for a more efficient adherent cell manufacturing solution, Corning developed Ascent FBR, a fixed bed bioreactor system designed to combine the benefits of adherent bioproduction platforms with the scale and automation of suspension manufacturing systems.

Scalable. Efficient. Purpose-built for viral vector and adherent cell production.

One of the biggest challenges in manufacturing adherent cells for advanced therapies is achieving the volumes required—without compromising cost, consistency, or quality. The Corning® Ascent® Fixed Bed Bioreactor (FBR) System addresses this head-on, offering a platform that bridges the gap between traditional adherent culture and the scalability of suspension systems.
 

Why it matters:
The Ascent FBR is designed to support high-density, uniform cell growth—making it an ideal solution for viral vector production, stem cell therapy workflows, and seed train applications.

Key Benefits:

• Uniform performance: Specially treated polymer mesh and engineered bed structure promote low-shear, evenly distributed flow—supporting uniform high-density cell growth.
• High transfection efficiency: Demonstrated to deliver >90% transfection efficiency and high AAV-GFP vector yields, helping reduce production runs and cut costs.
• Flexible scalability: Available in formats from 1 m² benchtop scale to 1,000 m² production systems, enabling a stable, scalable manufacturing process.
• Versatile harvesting: Supports viable cell harvests for seed trains and total viral particle capture.
• Compatible with common lysis methods: Enables both chemical (detergent) and mechanical (freeze/thaw, microfluidization) lysis techniques.

How It Works:

The Ascent FBR system includes a controller and a full suite of pre-assembled, single-use components—bioreactor, media conditioning vessel, tubing, connectors, sensors, and bottles—all irradiated and ready to use (no autoclaving required).

• Advanced flow dynamics: The fixed bed’s packed mesh enables uniform, low-shear flow for optimal nutrient and reagent exposure.
• Smart media control: A separate conditioning vessel and recirculation loop allow for fine-tuning of media conditions and processing protocols.
• Process monitoring: Integrated disposable sensors track pH, DO, and temperature—while the hands-off controller supports easy automation and protocol development.

Want to see it in action?

We’re happy to offer in-person demonstrations.
Request a demo to experience the Corning Ascent Fixed Bed Bioreactor System firsthand and discover how it can accelerate your manufacturing strategy.

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