I am planning to produce a recombinant protein by fermentation using Pichia pastoris (mut+) as the host and methanol as the inducer/carbon source at the protein production stage. For the fermentation, I am looking at the scales at 1 L, 20 L and possibly 200 L, with which the main challenge is how to safely manage the flammable and toxic methanol within the lab. When working with the 1 L bioreactors, I can place 1-2 bioreactors and methanol in a fume hood. But I have no idea on how to scale up when both the bioreactors and the volume of methanol to be used are beyond this option with a fume hood. I have searched online for a solution or reference, no expected information has been found so far. Though some people just mentioned using methanol is a risk, no people talked about the solutions for the management of methanol during fermentation. So I present here the challenge I have now, and If I could get some ideas or suggestions from the colleagues here who have worked or have been working with P. pastoris and methanol for scale-up fermentation, that will be very graceful. Thanks in advance. Shuguang
Hi Shuguang Zhang , I am not sure if my suggestion would help. I have dealt with experiments set up that involve volatile gas vapor. Usually, we have an exhaust outlet attached to the bioreactor. It's either we connect to a cold trap/condenser to recover the vapor or you can try filling up with 4A Molecular sieves@ to absorb methanol.
I hope this helps.
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