Many of the microorganisms identified for the production of LBPs are obligate or strict anaerobes and spore-forming organisms. These types of organisms present unique challenges: in particular, anaerobic microorganisms cannot be exposed to air and thus require expertise for handling and cultivation.
Facilities and equipment important for the cGMP manufacture of these organisms include:
Biological safety cabinets
Anaerobic workstations with internal HEPA filtration for aseptic, anaerobic fill capability
Equipment to scale the process cultivation
Stainless steel or single-use bioreactors
Closed harvest systems such as tangential flow filtration with hollow fiber membranes
Semi-automated or automated filling equipment
Freeze-drying equipment (lyophilizer)
Homogenization and milling equipment