What is Bioreactor Scaler?


Bioreactor Scaler is a software platform that predicts scaling in silico to help you define key process parameters, enabling seamless tech transfer. Both Scaler (free) and Scaler Pro deliver key data-driven insights that help biomanufacturers scale right the first time with less process waste and reduced overall risk.

Feature/Value Standard version Bioreactor Scaler Pro
Translate setpoints between bioreactor scales ✔ ✔
Standard work and knowledge sharing ✔ ✔
Free of charge application ✔ ✘
Agnostic/customized bioreactor scaling ✘ ✔
Multi-day characterization inputs ✘ ✔
Design space visualization, simulation, and exploration ✘ ✔
Advanced process simulations ✘ ✔
Easy data modeling, storing, sharing, and reporting ✘ ✔

Digital cell culture scaling eliminates the manual trial-and-error approach, allowing users to better predict bioreactor settings based on scaling parameters and bioreactor and cell line characteristics. Scaler can:

  • Predict process parameters
  • Save inputs and calculations
  • Visualize alternatives in design space

Create less waste with improved efficiencies

Using in silico scaling decreases the margin of error introduced by manual cell culture scaling processes. It improves standard work, saving biomanufacturers time and costs while reducing waste. Scaler is:

  • Designed by users, for users
  • Web accessible, cloud hosted
  • Standardized and shared across your organization

Not sure it’s worth the money to move from manual to digital scaling? Calculate your cost savings with our tool. It’s simple: select the number of molecules in your pipeline (current or future), and our calculator will project how much you could expect to save on process scale-up.

Process development
Operation savings 0 USD
Material Savings 0 USD
Clinical manufacture
Operation savings 0 USD
Material Savings 0 USD

Digital scaling reduces risk by decreasing the number of experiments needed and building resource capacity to explore other therapeutic targets. Scaler offers:
Bioreactor Scaler

Bioreactor Scaler

For current Cytiva customers looking for highly characterized scaling and bioreactor parameter simulation​.
Register for your free account now.
Bioreactor Scaler Pro

Bioreactor Scaler Pro

For any organization to create and share highly characterized scaling simulations with the addition of, customization, visualization, reporting, and training with support.​ Licenses start at $20,000.
Request a quote now.
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Custom models

Can we add new bioreactor or sparger models based on our own characterization data? Yes, we can build and add a model for them in Bioreactor Scaler Pro. Users choose if the new model is deployed in a public or private cloud.

Can I keep a model private? Yes, you choose if it is a “private” or “public” model.

What is required (data inputs and characterization runs) to build a new model? We recommended kLa and P/V characterizations done in mock media at 37C and a full factorial design with 3 levels for each parameter.

What is the cost for developing a new model? $20k if private, $0 if public.

Will my custom model be included automatically as part of the subscription, or do we have to pay extra? Adding private bioreactor model will cost $20K if kept private. Model development costs will be shared by Cytiva if the model is made public.

How do we assess if a model is accurate? By comparison with your in-house tool or against empirical historical data. Model will not be deployed in Bioreactor Scaler Pro until mutual agreement on its accuracy is reached.

Can I build a model myself? Yes, we can deploy models in the tool that you have developed yourself.

Technical & Science

What is the underlying model used for calculations? kLa, P/V, mixing time models based upon physical characterizations combined with computational fluid dynamics (CFD) models. Please see Help documents in Bioreactor Scaler or email: [email protected] for more information.

What is CFD used for in the models? Shear stress models, expanding gas ranges and verifying models built on physical characterization data.

Why is CO2 removal not calculated? Scientific studies have shown that matching “Total VVM” between scales is a good indirect way of controlling dissolved CO2 (pCO2) profile (see Help documents). If this is not your experience, we are happy to discuss.

What can I export to what formats? You can export data in graphs and tables to PDF, CSV, or Microsoft Excel format.

Can I use the tool for scale-down calculations too? Yes.

Do you have case studies of its successful use? Yes. We are happy to share. Please contact us.

What is the difference between simulation on the day-wise results page and that on the design space? The simulation parameters between day-wise results and design space differ, giving you better resolution of the simulation outcome in the design space.

Privacy and Security

Will my stored user data be safe? Yes, it will be stored encrypted and secure so that it cannot be leaked or accessed by anyone outside their company (and not accessible for Cytiva). See Bioreactor Scaler Privacy and Security manual for details.

What happens to my saved calculations if my subscription is not renewed? The calculations are stored until a maximum of 180 days after the expiry of subscription. If the subscription is renewed within 180 days of expiry, then you can retrieve them. If not, they are deleted permanently.

Where is my data stored? Bioreactor Scaler uses Amazon Web Services (AWS) to host application and database. The data is stored in an AWS region within the United States.

How do I assure that I have the latest version of the Bioreactor Scaler? The Scaler is updated regularly with new version 2-4 times per year, with clear tracking of software versions and model versions are present in the tool. When logging in the latest version will always be accessed.