A compartmentalized device for the culture of animal cells

A simply-constructed device for the batch culture of animal cells is described that takes advantage of gas-permeable polymer films and continuous dialysis of nutrient fluids. The design separates a cell-growth chamber from a nutrient-medium reservoir with a dialysis membrane, effectively compartmentalizing growth and feeding functions. Resulting culture environment is extraordinarily stable since frequent medium exchanges are not required and macromolecules biosynthesized by cells are retained within the cell-growth compartment. Culture experiments with a variety of mammalian cells (epithelioid, fibroblastic, hybridoma, primary murine) are described that demonstrate unattended culture for up to 30 days. Immunoglobulin (IgG) secreted by cultured hybridoma cells concentrated in the growth compartment more than 25-fold over levels attained at confluence in conventional flasks. Applications for the device in various areas using animal cell culture and potential advantages in scale are discussed.