From Fed-Batch To Continuous: How Perfusion Enables Smarter Biologics Production

By Seohyeon Song, Samsung Biologics

The continued expansion of biologics pipelines and therapeutic applications is placing increasing pressure on biomanufacturers to deliver processes that are not only scalable, but also efficient, robust, and well controlled. For decades, fed-batch culture has served as the foundation of commercial bioproduction due to its reliability, scalability, and adaptability alongside advances in media design, process control, and cell line engineering. As performance expectations rise, however, manufacturers are exploring complementary upstream strategies that provide tighter metabolic control and more consistent culture conditions.

Perfusion culture has re-emerged as a leading candidate for intensified and continuous bioprocessing. By continuously exchanging media, perfusion systems maintain a nutrient-rich environment that reduces physiological stress on cells, sustains high viability, and supports prolonged high-density growth. These characteristics enable improved productivity and more stable operating conditions compared with traditional batch or fed-batch modes under certain process objectives. Importantly, perfusion is not positioned as a replacement for fed-batch, but as an additional option for programs seeking higher output or improved consistency.