Some myths and messages concerning the batch and continuous culture of animal cells

It is often assumed that continuous processes are more difficult and less productive than a suite of batch processes for the production of a particular biomolecule. This paper cites two papers which have appeared in the literature which propound this view and examines in detail the justification for the support of this contention. After reviewing those features where it is alleged that continuous processes are at a disadvantage, the authors of this paper conclude that the opposite is the case and that for suitable processes the most effective way of generating product is by the use of fully continuous processes. The choice of a particular process dependends on a variety of fixed and variable factors which are unique to the process. These factors are discussed and two decision trees are presented which are designed to facilitate the choice of the appropriate process technology.