Perfusion Cell Culture in Disposable Bioreactors

Abstract

A novel disposable bioreactor design is described that incorporatesa floating filter for the removal of cellfree perfusate. This designeliminates the need for traditional pumparound flow loops and externalcell separators. Experiments with a hybridoma cell line producinga monoclonal antibody show that such a device can support very highcell densities of over 3 x 107 cells/ml and produce up to 73 mg/dayof product. This is 6 fold higher productivity than batch culture.The bioreactor was operated continuously for 25 days without anyevidence of clogging. Applications include bioprocessing and humancell therapy.