Separation of Mammalian Cells Using a Specially Designed Rotating Disc Filter

Abstract

Through continuous fresh nutrient supply and metabolite removal, combined with cell retendon in the bioreactor, perfusion cultures allow high cell concentrations and product titres to be achieved at relatively high medium throughput rates, resulting in high productivities [1]. However, a critical technical question that remains in perfusion processes is the cell retention device to be employed [2]. The use of membrane-based filtration devices for mammalian cell separation presents several advantages, such as a cell-free permeate and a straightforward scale-up. However, membrane fouling is still a major concern, specially during long-term perfusion cultivations. Optimisation of mammalian cell filtration requires a careful adjustment of the shear field in the filter module to allow minimisation of both fouling and cell damage. In rotating disc filters, the relative motion between membrane and rotor allows creating a high shear stress at the membrane surface, while decoupling shear rates from transmembrane pressure and flow rate through the system [3].