Mammalian cell retention devices for stirred perfusion bioreactors

Within the spectrum of current applications for cell culture technologies, efficient large-scale mammalian cell production processes are typically car ried out in stirred fed-batch or perfusion bioreactors. The specific aspect s of each individual process that can be considered when determining the me thod of choice are presented. A major challenge for perfusion reactor desig n and operation is the reliability of the cell retention device. Current re tention systems include cross-flow membrane filters, spin-filters, inclined settlers, continuous centrifuges and ultrasonic separators. The relative m erits and limitations of these technologies for cell retention and their su itability for large-scale perfusion are discussed.