MODIFIED MICROBIAL FERMENTER PERFORMANCE IN ANIMAL-CELL CULTURE AND ITS IMPLICATIONS FOR FLEXIBLE FERMENTER DESIGN

Modified microbial fermenters were adapted for use in animal cell cultivations within an active microbial pilot plant rapidly and inexpensively. Multiple batches of Jurkat cells (human T-lymphoma) and Spodoptera frugiperda (using a baculovirus expression vector) were conducted in modified 75 L Chemap fermenters and a 280 L pilot plant seed vessel. These retrofitted reactors were evaluated for suitable temperature control, local hot spots, surface aeration capability, open-pipe sparging, impeller type and impeller speed. Influences of these operating factors on cell growth rate, cell density, glucose uptake and protein yield were quantified. Implications for the flexible design of fermenters for operation in multiuse campaign facilities are discussed. Adaption of existing microbial fermenters was found to be an attractive route for initial implementation of cell culture capacity in a research organization.