Massachusetts Training Center (MTC)
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Massachusetts Training Center
The Massachusetts Training Center exists to provide our customers with timely accurate information and support on Asahi Kasei Bioprocess products along with the knowledge to integrate these products into a robust manufacturing process.We offer globally connected technical trainings in the use of virus filtration/microfiltration products and concept driven learning in biological processes through an innovative and top tier approach to customer experience.
We are a team of scientists, engineers, and educators from both industry and top academic institutions, who are excited to offer you and your team our expertise through basic and more advanced courses. We can also perform case studies and provide technical support services.
Upstream Focus
Bioprocess Overview
Bioprocess Overview course is designed for the individual that is new or has limitedbioprocessing experience. The class discusses a very typical generic batch antibody
manufacturing process starting with the master cell bank, follows at a high level each of the
intermediate unit operations through cell culture expansion into separations/ chromatography,
and finally concluding with bulk drug substance fill. The learning objective is to provide a big
picture view of bioprocessing and some basic knowledge of the unit operations employed in the
manufacture of antibody therapies.
Principles of Cell Culture
Principles of Cell Culture course is designed for relatively new cell culture operators andit provides a conceptual overview of the core principles driving cell culture.
Emphasis is placed on biological and technological factors affecting product
quality, and general manufacturing processes. At the end of this course, the attendee
will reach a clear understanding of how cloning, aseptic techniques, growth
conditions, and other logistics factors affect manufacturing processes.
Principles of Tangential Flow Filtration
Principles of Tangential Flow Filtration (TFF) includes a conceptual description of crossflowfiltration and a presentation on TFF applied to biomanufacturing and biopharma cases. The
theory will cover the core concepts in cake layer filtration, efficiency analysis, and fouling.
The applied part of this lecture will describe the different types of TFF modalities, with
practical tips about operation and process optimization.
Microfiltration Operators Course
This BioOptimal/Microza Microfiltration Operators course includes a detailed lecture on the useof hollow fiber filters in microfiltration to obtain superior throughput at
challenging cell densities. The classroom style lecture highlights perfusion applications.
Our lab demonstration focuses on a recirculation loop using a hollow fiber filter
connected to a glass bioreactor, and we will use a low shear pump for flow control.
This training is conducted by live speakers in real time.
Downstream Focus
Pathogen Safety
The Pathogen Safety Course provides a conceptual overview for the development of a safe andcompliant process for biomanufacturing. The lecture will cover general principles of pathogen
safety for building robust manufacturing processes. Some specific highlights are keys to
mitigating risk, materials sourcing, process testing, and reduction strategies for
implementation of biological processes into commercial operations.
In-person Planova Operator Courses
The Planova™ Operators course includes an in-depth lecture on the theory ofnanofiltration and a virtual lab demonstration. The classroom style lecture and the
lab demonstration are centered around virus removal methods and are conducted by
live speakers in real time. The demonstrations will key in on the robust functionality of
Planova™ filters, and on their simple operation procedure.
Principles of Chromatography
Principles of Chromatography course is designed for the relatively new bioprocessoperator/development researcher looking to increase knowledge in standard
chromatography chemistries and column packing principles. The class focuses on
chromatography foundations including standard bioprocess chemistries like Protein A,
hydrophobic interaction, and ion exchange. The learning objective is to understand the
basics of column packing and understand separations based on size exclusion, charges,
hydrophobicity and Fc/Protein A interactions.
Planova Virus Filtration Integrity Testing
The Planova Virus Filtration Integrity Testing for Manufacturing course is a detailedpresentation concerning the integrity tests employed when using Planova virus filters.
These tests include the VLT (Visual Leak Test) and the GPT (Gold Particle Test). The lecture
will describe how the mechanisms associated with each of the tests and discuss why these
need to be performed. Additionally, there will be a troubleshooting section designed to
prevent common mistakes made during performance of the tests. Finally, there will be a
presentation of a large-scale execution of the tests as would be done in manufacturing.
This class is for those individuals currently or potentially in the future going to perform the
VLT and GPT at large scale in manufacturing as well as for those individuals developing virus
filtration processes for manufacturing operations.
New Courses
Principles of Cell & Gene Therapy Manufacturing
The manipulation of the biological properties of cells or the changing of the expression fora gene represents a new way to treat patients in personalized way that can significantly
improve outcomes. The course objective is to build a basic understanding of the technologies
and techniques employed at a high level for strategic altering of cells and genes along with a
discussion of the manufacturing processes employed. Additionally, there is discussion of the
expectations for pathogen safety or lack of, in the use of these therapies for treating disease.
This is a foundational class intended specifically to familiarize attendees to the basic concepts
for these exciting new technologies.
Principles of Nanofiltration
The Principles of Nanofiltration course offers an overview of membrane development. Thecourse provides a conceptual framework for understanding the principles of filtration, with
a particular focus on nanofiltration applied in virus removal. It also includes a laboratory
demonstration featuring the latest Planova™ filters. Additionally, an overview of best
practices and operational procedures will be provided.
Principles of Oligosynthesis
The Principles of Oligosynthesis course provides a comprehensive overview of oligosynthesisfor the pharmaceutical applications. Participants will learn about the latest advancements in
oligonucleotide synthesis technologies, including solid-phase synthesis, enzymatic methods,
and automated platforms. A review of the equipment and tools used in oligosynthesis, current
challenges such as scalability, cost-effectiveness, and operation will be discussed, alongside
emerging opportunities in development of drugs and therapeutics.
Additional Learning Resources
Biopulse: the Industry Experts Webinar Series
Future of Bioreactor Operations and Data Trending
The Biopharmaceutical industry is experiencing growth and evolution with the integration ofnew systems and unique solutions to enhance outdated technologies. Global collaboration and
cross-disciplinary expertise are essential to drive innovation and meaningful change. Bioreactor
technology, particularly in perfusion and continuous processing, is a key priority
for the industry's future – and automated feedback controls play a significant
role in advancing biomanufacturing.
Strategies for Future Facility Planning & Design
As a result of the growing demand for new drug products and therapies, the emergence ofnew processes, and the integration of new technologies, industry leaders are facing difficult
decisions that may challenge their expertise and conventional thinking. We propose a panel
discussion to assist individuals in approaching intersecting domains – such as equipment
design, workforce development and (re)training, facility design choices, as well as
logistics and procurement – in a holistic and principle driven manner.
