Bioreactor Design Concepts for Viral Vaccine Production - Chapter 16: Bioreactor for hepatitis C virus vaccine

The development and production of vaccines play a crucial role in combating infectious diseases, including hepatitis C virus (HCV). In recent years, bioreactor technology has emerged as a promising approach for efficient and scalable vaccine production. The use of bioreactors in vaccine production allows for the production of large quantities of vaccine in a relatively short period, making it possible to respond quickly to outbreaks and pandemics as evident from COVID-19. The bioreactors provide several advantages over conventional flask cultures such as a controlled microenvironment, the possibility of culturing large amounts, and the possibility of automatic periodic sampling for testing. Hepatitis C vaccines are still under development as the virus is difficult to culture in large quantities and has a quick mutation rate. For large quantities of HCV, typically the hepatocyte cells are infected with the virus and cultured in a bioreactor. Furthermore, the bioreactor system employs innovative cell culture techniques and bioprocess optimization strategies to maximize virus yield and ensure the production of safe and effective HCV vaccines. The chapter highlights the potential of various bioreactor systems to contribute to the development of effective HCV vaccines, ultimately benefiting public health and helping to reduce the global burden of HCV infection.