High-Density Cryopreserved Cell Bank via Perfusion Culture

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional cell banking methods face challenges in achieving high cell densities for cryopreservation without damaging cells, as lower density stocks are inefficient for large volume cultures and centrifugation-based concentration methods are harmful to cells.

Innovation Solution

The method employs perfusion culture techniques coupled with non-centrifugal cell retention systems, specifically alternating tangential flow filtration, to concentrate cells to high densities while maintaining cell viability, followed by cryopreservation with DMSO addition.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If centrifugation-based concentration methods are used to increase cell density, then cell density is improved, but cell viability deteriorates due to mechanical damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecell densityVSAvoidcell viability
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical centrifugation system with a perfusion culture system that uses controlled medium flow to achieve cell concentration. Instead of applying centrifugal force that damages cells, the system uses a bioreactor with a filter to separate and concentrate cells through fluid flow, eliminating mechanical cell damage while achieving high cell density for cryopreservation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a filter as an intermediary component between the cell culture medium and the concentration process. The filter captures cells while allowing medium to pass through, enabling concentration without direct mechanical stress on cells. This intermediary mechanism facilitates cell separation and concentration while preserving cell integrity and viability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If lower density stocks are used for cryopreservation, then cell viability is maintained, but productivity deteriorates due to inefficient inoculation of large volume cultures

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecell viabilityVSAvoidinoculation efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the cell density parameter during the cryopreservation process by implementing a two-stage approach: first maintaining cells at lower density during culture to preserve viability, then using the perfusion system to concentrate cells to high density before freezing. This parameter transformation allows the final cell bank to have both high density (improving inoculation efficiency) and high viability (from the gentle concentration process)

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach allows for the creation of high-density frozen cell banks with excellent post-thaw viability, enabling efficient production cell culture and therapeutically relevant protein production.

Implementation Method 1

non-centrifugal cell retention systems, specifically alternating tangential flow filtration

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTangential flow filtration: Filter (physical)

Implementation Method 2

perfusion culture techniques coupled with non-centrifugal cell retention systems

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPerfusion:

Implementation Method 3

cryopreservation with DMSO addition

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCryopreservation: Freezing

Implementation Method 4

adding DMSO to the concentrated cell population at a final concentration of about 5% to about 10%, vol/vol

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCryoprotection: Preservative

Data Source

PatentEP4008768A1High-density cell banking methods
Publication Date: 2022.06.08 GENZYME CORP
  • EP4008768A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4008768A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4008768A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The current disclosure provides a method for the creation of a high-density cryopreserved cell bank using perfusion culture techniques and non-centrifugal concentration of cells. Methods of production using this high-density cryopreserved cell bank are also provided.