Cultivation of animal cells in a reticulated vitreous carbon foam

Bradley L Kent; R Mutharasan

doi:10.1016/0168-1656(92)90149-4

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Cultivation of animal cells in a reticulated vitreous carbon foam

Journal article

Peer reviewed

Cultivation of animal cells in a reticulated vitreous carbon foam

Bradley L Kent and R Mutharasan

Journal of biotechnology, v 22(3), pp 311-327

1992

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/0168-1656(92)90149-4

PMID: 1367987

Featured in Collection : UN Sustainable Development Goals @ Drexel

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Abstract

Cell culture

Anchorage-dependent cells

Bioreactor

3T6 fibroblast

Vitreous carbon

A reticulated vitreous carbon foam (RVCF) was used as a surface to cultivate a model anchorage-dependent animal cell line, 3T6 (mouse embryo fibroblast). This fixed-surface bioreactor provided a low-shear, chemically-inert, and reusable environment for cell growth. An external medium recirculation loop allowed aeration, nutrient monitoring, and medium replacement without disturbing the cells. Optimal flow rates for the attachment and growth phases were determined. Growth rates comparable to static (T-flask and petri dish) cultures and agitated microcarrier cultures were achieved with appropriately high medium recirculation rates. Metabolic parameters were shown to be useful indicators of cell mass, although specific glucose consumption rates were considerably higher for cultures in the RVCF reactor. Oxygen supply was shown to be the most likely limiting factor for scaleup.