A better understanding of the cell culture process is needed at times. Understanding how the circuits work for a bioreactor for mammalian cell culture is crucial and requires a further explanation.
There are a few different aspects to consider. There are the circuits as well as EC cycling that impact the process. It means understanding hollow fibers and their importance to the circuits especially.
The Circuits
We need to start with the circuits and the hollow fibers in the bioreactor for mammalian cell culture. The goal is to maintain the tissue-like density and long-term viability of the mammalian cells. With the hollow fibers, it means having a semi-permeable tube that can exchange nutrients, oxygen, and get rid of waste without diluting the mammalian cells.
It separates the “cell side”, allowing cells to grow into a tissue-like density. At the same time, perfusion is done at a slow rate and the concentrated product can be harvested continuously or in concentrated batches as well.
EC Cycling
The process of EC cycling is automated. It is to mass transfer waste and nutrients across the walls of that semi-permeable membrane that comprises the hollow fiber. All of this can be done throughout the cell culture cartridge.
The goal is to ensure that nutrients and oxygen are evenly distributed throughout the cartridge. At the same time, it is meant to eliminate gradients and microenvironments that can occur in the cell mass for a continued perfusion and harvesting.
