Transfer of an adherent Vero cell culture method between two different rocking motion type bioreactors with respect to cell growth and metabolic rates

Abstract Rapid and simple cell and virus cultivation can currently be carried out using disposable bioreactors. The CELL-tainer ® (CELLution Biotech BV) disposable bioreactor is a rocking-type bioreactor which not only has vertical movement but horizontal displacement as well. Due to this two-directional movement relatively high mass-transfer capacities can be reached when compared with conventional rocking motion-type bioreactors. Using the design of experiments (DoE) approach we have developed models for the mixing times in both the CELL-tainer ® and the BIOSTAT ® CultiBag RM (Sartorius Stedim Biotech) bioreactor (standard rocking motion-type). The conditions for cultivation of Vero cells in the CELL-tainer ® bioreactor were chosen based on comparable mixing times. Vero cells growing adherent to Cytodex 1 microcarriers were cultivated in the CELL-tainer ® and in the BIOSTAT ® CultiBag RM. Both bioreactors were controlled with regard to temperature, pH and % dissolved oxygen. Vero cell growth in both bioreactors was comparable with respect to the growth characteristics and main metabolite production and consumption rates. Additionally, polio virus production in both bioreactors was shown to be similar.