(653c) Optimizing Cell Transduction and Transfection with CFD-DEM Modelling Approach

Transfection is a crucial process in the biotech industry, as it involves the successful delivery of foreign genetic material into target cells while maintaining cell health. However, this process is complicated, as factors such as cell type, genetic material, and delivery method can greatly affect transfection efficiency. Furthermore, shear stress from mixing and sparging can cause damage to cells and impact the overall process efficiency.

A unique mechanistic modelling approach was developed to address these challenges. This workflow employs Ansys Fluent for computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and Ansys Rocky for Discrete Element Methods (DEM) simulations. This approach has been successfully used to support multiple pharmaceutical companies worldwide in improving their transfection/transduction process efficiency.

In one instance, the workflow was deployed to model the transduction efficiency of a virus delivering genetic material to a specific cell type. This resulted in the development of a scale-up strategy for this non-conventional system, as well as optimization of process efficiency. The same workflow was applied, with comparable positive outcomes, to optimize the delivery and mixing performance of a bulk transfection mixture using adeno-associated virus (AAV).

In summary, this work highlights how computational modelling can enhance transfection/transduction process efficiency up to 200 % and improve the design of a scale-up strategy for a non-conventional system.