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Mammalian cell damage in a novel membrane bioreactor
Author(s) -
Millward H. R.,
Bellhouse B. J.,
Nicholson A. M.,
Beeton S.,
Jenkins N.,
Knowles C. J.
Publication year - 1994
Publication title -
biotechnology and bioengineering
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.136
H-Index - 189
eISSN - 1097-0290
pISSN - 0006-3592
DOI - 10.1002/bit.260430909
Subject(s) - laminar flow , turbulence , reynolds number , mechanics , shear stress , bioreactor , materials science , chemistry , physics , organic chemistry
The experimental study has assessed a novel membrane bioreactor for mammalian cell culture. In the absence of a gas phase, the key features of cell damage associated with laminar and turbulent flow have been identified. The bioreactor employs a dimpled membrane in order to enhance transverse mixing in a narrow channel, but a fall in viable cell density has been observed at Reynolds numbers above Re = 83. In the laminar flow regime wall shear is the critical mechanism and an accurate calculation of shear rate in a complex channel has been achieved using the Reynolds analogy. Flow generating a wall shear rate in excess of 3000 s −1 has been shown to cause damage. Power dissipation measurements have been used to distinguish between laminar and turbulent flow and also to predict Kolmogorov eddy lengths. An additional turbulent bulk stress damage mechanism at higher Reynolds numbers (Re > 250) results in a very rapid fall in viable cell density.