Evaluation of a Novel Dynamic Bed Bioreactor For Cultivation of Mammalian Cells

Bioreactors offer benefits for high density growth of anchorage dependent cells because of efficient mixing and controlled growth conditions. Continuous improvements in bioreactor design and its operation are needed to enhance the productivities of vaccines and biologicals.

Performance of a novel dynamic bed bioreactor operated in perfusion mode was evaluated for high density growth of mammalian cells. Dynamic bed bioreactor operated in glucose based perfusion mode was evaluated for high density cell growth under the given operating conditions.

MRC-5 cells and Vero cells were cultivated by glucose fed perfusion method in 0.5 L CellBRx bioreactor with periodic sampling for glucose and cell growth analysis. Minimum Essential Medium with Hanks’ salt and 10% fetal bovine serum was used as nutrient medium.

Higher cell densities were observed for Vero cells compared to the MRC-5 cells consistent with glucose uptake rate profiles. Oxygen transfer rate capacity of the bioreactor was observed to be more than the peak oxygen uptake rates of the growing cells under given conditions. Sustainable high densities of cell substrates achieved in this system can be explored further for the production of next generation viral vaccines.

Adequate quantities of vaccines and biologicals are needed in the developing world at affordable prices. This goal can be achieved by enhancing productivities. Improvements in bioreactor designs and operating strategies are some of the approaches towards the goal.