Scaleup of insect cell cultures: Protective effects of pluronic F-68

Abstract

We demonstrate that insect cells can be grown in an agitated, sparged bioreactor and an airlift bioreactor with a growth rate and maximum cell density comparable to those obtained in spinner flasks oxygenated by surface diffusion. Recombinant protein synthesis by cells infected with a genetically-modified baculovirus in the sparged bioreactor is also demonstrated. The nonionic surfactant Pluronic® F-68 was responsible for the protection of insect cells from the adverse effects of sparging. The mechanism of Pluronic® F-68 protection in a sparged environment is discussed. © 1988 Nature Publishing Group.