Optimal conditions for simulating microgravity employing NASA designed rotating wall vessels

This article discusses the requirements to successfully simulate certain aspects of microgravity employing the NASA designed HARV in the laboratory. Presence of low fluid shear, a clear understanding of the role of the spin of the microcarrier/cell about its own axis, availability of adequate mass transport of nutrients and oxygen, the elimination of collisions between microcarriers and between the microcarrier and walls of the bioreactor, and the use of adequate and appropriate controls are some of the important aspects that enable a successful simulation of certain aspects of microgravity. Results of numerical simulation of the above aspects have been presented and discussed. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.