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Cultivation of Mammalian Cells Using a Single-use Pneumatic Bioreactor System
Published on: October 10, 2014
Mammalian cell damage in a novel membrane bioreactor
H R Millward1, B J Bellhouse, A M Nicholson
1Medical Engineering Unit, Department of Engineering Science, University of Oxford, Oxford OX2 6PE, Great Britain.
Biotechnology and Bioengineering
|April 15, 1994
Summary
This study identified cell damage mechanisms in a novel membrane bioreactor for mammalian cell culture. High shear rates in laminar flow and turbulent bulk stress in turbulent flow significantly reduce viable cell density.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Biochemical Engineering
- Cell Culture Technology
Background:
- Mammalian cell culture in bioreactors is crucial for producing biologics.
- Understanding fluid dynamics and their impact on cell viability is essential for optimizing bioreactor design.
- Novel bioreactor configurations are needed to improve mixing and cell survival.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate cell damage mechanisms in a novel membrane bioreactor without a gas phase.
- To identify critical fluid flow parameters leading to cell damage.
- To establish thresholds for safe operating conditions in the bioreactor.
Main Methods:
- Experimental assessment of a novel membrane bioreactor with a dimpled membrane.
- Analysis of cell damage under laminar and turbulent flow regimes.
- Calculation of wall shear rate using the Reynolds analogy.
- Measurement of power dissipation to differentiate flow regimes and predict Kolmogorov eddy lengths.
Main Results:
- Cell damage observed at Reynolds numbers above 83.
- Wall shear stress exceeding 3000 s⁻¹ identified as a critical damage mechanism in laminar flow.
- Turbulent bulk stress identified as an additional damage mechanism at Reynolds numbers > 250.
- Rapid fall in viable cell density observed under turbulent conditions.
Conclusions:
- The novel membrane bioreactor design requires careful control of flow parameters to maintain cell viability.
- Wall shear stress and turbulent bulk stress are key factors contributing to cell damage.
- Operating the bioreactor below critical shear rates and turbulence levels is necessary for successful mammalian cell culture.
