Bag bioreactor based on wave-induced motion: characteristics and applications

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology
• Bioprocess Engineering
• Cell Culture Technology

Background:

• Wave-mixed bag bioreactors are widely adopted in modern biotechnology for their simplicity, safety, and flexibility.
• Numerous studies highlight their suitability and superiority over stirred bioreactors for diverse cell cultivations.
• They provide low-shear conditions and efficient oxygen transfer, crucial for cell viability and productivity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide an overview of wave-mixed bag bioreactors and their operation strategies.
• To delineate the engineering aspects of the BioWave((R)) system.
• To present and discuss reported applications of the BioWave((R)) in various cell cultivations.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature and studies on wave-mixed bag bioreactors.
• Detailed examination of the engineering principles behind the BioWave((R)) system.
• Compilation and analysis of data from reported BioWave((R)) applications.

Main Results:

• Wave-mixed bag bioreactors achieve middle to high cell densities and adequate productivity.
• The BioWave((R)) system, originating from a 1998 prototype, demonstrates engineering advantages.
• Successful applications include cultivations with animal cells, plant cells, microbial cells, and nematodes.

Conclusions:

• Wave-mixed bag bioreactors, particularly the BioWave((R)), are highly effective for ex vivo cell, virus, and therapeutic agent production.
• Their low-shear and high-oxygen transfer characteristics are key to their success in laboratory and pilot-scale operations.
• The technology is versatile, supporting a wide range of cell types and biotechnological applications.