Technology

Efficient cell cultivation is dependent on optimal supply of oxygen and nutrients, as well as an efficient removal of inhibiting metabolic waste products. These factors limit maximum cell densities in standard cell culture devices. Therefore, high expression levels of proteins are not obtained using traditional devices like flasks and roller bottles.

The two-compartment CELLine bioreactor is designed to overcome these limitations (see following Figure). This is achieved by separating the bioreactor into a medium compartment and a cell compartment with a 10 kDa semi-permeable dialysis membrane. The membrane allows small molecules to diffuse from one compartment to the other, while higher molecular weight molecules secreted by the proliferating cells are retained within the cell compartment. This leads to a continuous flow of nutrients into the cell compartment and a concurrent removal of any inhibitory waste products.

Since cells and secreted products are trapped in the cell compartment, the medium compartment can be supplied with fresh medium without diluting the cells or cell secreted products.  This novel approach allows cells and cell secreted products to increase dramatically in density as the culture progresses. Additionally, in applications that use FBS, the medium compartment typically does need to be supplemented.

The bottom of the cell compartment is comprised of a silicone membrane. Its highly gas permeable nature ensures optimal oxygen and carbon dioxide conditions within your cell culture. The unique CELLine bioreactor design allows optimal maintenance of the cells leading to quasi in vivo cultivation conditions.