Methods for improved cell harvesting efficiency in fixed bed bioreactors

Abstract

A method for harvesting cells from a bioreactor is provided where the bioreactor includes cells for harvesting, at least one inlet and / or outlet, and a culture chamber in which the cells are adhered to a substrate. The method includes providing a wash solution having a cell dissociation reagent (CDR) to the culture chamber; and after providing the wash solution, removing and capturing detached cells from the culture chamber via the at least one inlet and / or outlet. The cell dissociation reagent includes an endonuclease, particularly a deoxyribonuclease, such as deoxyribonuclease I (DNase I). The wash solution may further include a divalent metal ion, such as Mg+2, Ca+2 or Mn+2.

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