Biomimicry in a High Cell Population Density Perfusion Centrifugal Bioreactor

There are many cellular and physiological processes that have been difficult to mimic within in vitro medical devices. We have developed a perfusion centrifugal bioreactor and demonstrated utility for a wide range of applications. In this talk we will give both a historical context as well as up-to-date new applications for use of such a device. Originally the centrifugal processor showed important use for separation of cellular components. Next it was applied to high population density cultures where it is useful in overcoming limitations of other processes by allowing the ability to provide fresh culture medium at high flow rates while retaining cells in suspension within a conical fluidized bed bioreactor stabilized by high gravitational forces. Applications included large-scale culture of hybridomas for production of monoclonal antibodies. The process is now being extended to bio-manufacturing of cytotoxic CD8 T-lymphocytes with applications in cancer therapy. Adding means for providing oscillating hydrostatic pressure, the system is showing use for the culture of anchorage dependent chondrocytes mixed with stem cells for production of more robust cartilage by stimulating chondrogenesis. Finally, the system can be used for elimination and/or detection of contaminating bacteria.