A mathematical model for cell separation technique of centrifugal elutriation

A mathematical model for the cell separation technique of centrifugal elutriation is developed. The model simulates both steady and non-steady-state operation of the elutriator. The model can be used to predict the required set of flow rates of elutriating liquid necessary to fractionate a cell culture, the required time of sampling before steady state is achieved, and the range of cell size/cell density combinations contained in any fraction. The model predictions were verified experimentally. Variations in cell density and cell size due to the suspending environment have a significant effect on the accuracy (although not the trends) of the model predictions. Quantification of these variations will lead to significantly more accurate model predictions. An enhanced separation method was developed using the model, to yield finer separation of a cell culture than previously possible. The use of the centrifugal elutriator may now be given a firm theoretical basis, with the quality of separation understood in terms of the basic theory of operation.