Cell culture system

Abstract

The present invention provides a novel apparatus to grow cells where the cultivation chamber (1) is partially filled with liquid cultivation medium and cells. Mixing and aeration is achieved by generating intermittently one single large gas bubble (6) at the bottom of the column bioreactor, the single large bubble width representing from 50 to 99% of the tank width, preferably from 60 to 99%, more preferably 98.5%. The culture medium flows out as a film between the large bubble and the inner wall of the bioreactor. This rising bubble allows mixing and aeration of the bulk. As the design of the invention is very simple, it is possible to manufacture it with flexible plastic material and use the apparatus as a disposable system. Moreover, such a mixing / aeration principle minimizes cell damages usually due to shear stress and small bubbles and allows easy and efficient scale-up from small scale to a larger one. Such a large-scale, efficient and disposable culture system can largely reduce production costs.

Description

field of invention [0001] The present invention relates to the field of cell culture. The present invention provides novel cell culture systems for growing cells in general, and plant cells in particular. Since such a device can be disposable and efficient on a large scale, its use allows a considerable reduction of production costs in different kinds of applications. Background of the invention [0002] Conventional culture systems generally consist of rigid containers (glass or stainless steel) with means for aerating and mixing the culture contents (air spargers, impellers). These systems are complex because large-scale production is based on stainless steel vessels, sterilized in situ, so the usual equipment and support facilities associated with sterile bioprocessing are extremely expensive. More than 60% of production costs are due to fixed costs: high capital costs of fermentation plants, depreciation, interest and capital consumption. Operating costs are also high...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

These systems are complex because large-scale production is based on stainless steel vessels, sterilized in situ, so the usual equipment and support facilities associated with sterile bioprocessing are extremely expensive

More than 60% of production costs are due to fixed costs: high capital costs of fermentation units, depreciation, interest and capital consumption

The method described in US Patent-A-4,136,970 can be used to count platelets but is in no way suitable or required for culturing and growing living cells

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