Continuous Harvesting Of Extra-Cellular Proteins From Mammalian Cell Cultures Utilizing Small-Scale Perfusion

Reactor level problems typically associated with level probes and sensors are avoided by scale feedback to the ChemTec. In the small-scale continuous perfusion system shown above, a ChemTec maintains the media level (constant weight) of a Spinner Flask during perfusion. An autoclavable filtration cartridge was used to generate cell-free permeate.

The ChemTec automatically meters fresh media into the bioreactor in response to the continuous removal of cell-free permeate containing the expressed protein. The ChemTec maintains a constant bioreactor weight over many days and weeks of continuous perfusion. The ChemTec displays and documents the reactor weight as well as the volume of media added to the reactor. Three different alarms can be activated. For example, the reactor weight alarm is turned on when the set-point weight cannot be maintained (i.e. the media reservoir has run empty).

In the Perfusion System, the PureTec functions as an automated re-circulation pump that also controls the operation of the ACCU permeate pump. The PureTec senses a filter plug-up condition by continuously monitoring the filter back-pressure in three locations. The PureTec monitors the feed pressure (P1), the retentate pressure (P2) and the permeate pressure (P3), and calculates the Trans-Membrane Pressure (TMP).