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Publication Number
US-11827873-B2
Publication Date
2023-11-28
Expiration Date
Abstract
The invention provides a structured cell growth matrix or assembly comprising a one or more spacer layers and one or more cell immobilization layers. The invention further provides a bioreactor comprising said matrix or assembly.
Core Innovation
The invention provides a matrix assembly for growing cells in connection with a cell medium. The matrix assembly includes one or more cell immobilization layers having a surface which allows cells to adhere and grow, and the arrangement facilitates cell and cell medium incursion into the immobilization layers while cells and medium pass through the assembly in connection with the cell medium.
A spacer layer is provided to allow passage of cells and medium therethrough and to create a first direction of flow along a surface of the one or more cell immobilization layers. The spacer layer also creates a second direction of flow into the one or more immobilization layers, thereby facilitating cell and cell medium incursion into the one or more immobilization layers.
In another embodiment, a plurality of cell immobilization layers are arranged with a spacer layer creating a tortuous path. The spacer layer allows passage of cells and medium through the spacer layer and along a first direction of flow along a surface of each of adjacent pairs of cell immobilization layers and along a second direction of flow into at least one of the adjacent pairs of cell immobilization layers.
This structure facilitates cell and cell medium incursion into the adjacent pairs of cell immobilization layers and is designed to support homogeneous, reproducible cell growth on a predictable cell culture surface in a bioreactor context.
Claims Coverage
Three independent claims are identified: clm-00001, clm-00010, and clm-00014. Each independent claim defines a cell-growth matrix assembly with cell immobilization layers and a flow-structuring feature that creates different flow directions to facilitate cell and cell medium incursion into immobilization layers.
Matrix assembly with cell immobilization layers and spacer-layer incursion flow directions
A matrix assembly for growing cells in connection with a cell medium, comprising one or more cell immobilization layers with a surface allowing cells to adhere and grow; and a spacer layer allowing passage of cells and medium therethrough while creating a first direction of flow along a surface of the one or more cell immobilization layers and a second direction of flow into the one or more cell immobilization layers to facilitate cell and cell medium incursion.
Matrix assembly with tortuous-path-forming means for first and second flow directions
A matrix assembly for growing cells in connection with a cell medium, comprising one or more cell immobilization layers having a surface which allows cells to adhere and grow; and means for forming a tortuous path allowing passage of cells and medium through said means and along a first direction of flow along a surface of the one or more cell immobilization layers and along a second direction of flow into the one or more cell immobilization layers for facilitating cell and cell medium incursion.
Matrix assembly with multiple immobilization layers and spacer-layer tortuous path between adjacent pairs
A matrix assembly for growing cells in connection with a cell medium, comprising a plurality of cell immobilization layers having a surface which allows cells to adhere and grow; and a spacer layer creating a tortuous path allowing passage of cells and medium through the spacer layer and along a first direction of flow along a surface of each of adjacent pairs of cell immobilization layers and along a second direction of flow into at least one of the adjacent pairs of cell immobilization layers to facilitate cell and cell medium incursion into the adjacent pairs.
Across the independent claims, the core inventive concept is a matrix assembly that combines cell immobilization layers with a flow-path-forming spacer or tortuous path feature to establish distinct flow directions along immobilization-layer surfaces and into immobilization layers.
Stated Advantages
Improves homogeneity and reproducibility of cell culture results.
Improves cell density and/or cell culture surface utilization.
Improves metabolite/nutrient exchange.
Limits preferential flow and limits pressure drop.
Provides scalable, easy packing.
Provides predictable cell culture surface.
Documented Applications
Use of the matrix assembly in connection with a bioreactor, including a stationary bioreactor and a rotating bioreactor.
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