Cell culture bioreactor with zone control
Inventors
KILPATRICK, Shane Alexander Jaques • Pundsack, Scott Raymond • PUNDSACK, Andrew Michael
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-12612585-B2
Publication Date
2026-04-28
Expiration Date
Abstract
A cell culture bioreactor has membranes divided into a plurality of zones. The membranes may include perfusion membranes carrying a liquid media and/or gas transfer membranes. The bioreactor has one or more sensors configured to collect data from one or more locations within the bioreactor. The supply of one or more of the gaseous and/or liquid media to a selected zone or zones may be controlled. In some examples, the supply includes a background supply and a selectable incremental supply. The bioreactor may be used to grow cells in suspension. Liquid media circulates within an extra-capillary space of the bioreactor. In some examples, a portion of cells is permitted for a period of time to be restrained within one or more zones of the membranes. Elements of a reactor may be made in a mold. A reactor may be operated in a fed-batch process.
Core Innovation
The claimed invention is a bioreactor comprising one or more elements, each with layers of gas transfer membranes oblique to layers of perfusion membranes. Potting material surrounds the ends of both membrane types, and a motor is adapted to rotate the elements. Each element has a generally round interior cross section defined at least primarily by inner surfaces of the potting material.
The bioreactor incorporates fluid-handling circuits, membrane bundles with internal flow paths, housings, and a stacked assembly of multiple elements with a motor, shaft, and support arrangements. The system further includes perfusion and gas-transfer hollow-fiber membranes arranged in independently addressable zones, alongside sensors, controllable liquid and gas supplies, and molded membrane elements.
Claims Coverage
The relevant claims include one independent claim, claim 1, presenting four inventive features.
Oblique gas transfer and perfusion membrane layers
Each element includes layers of gas transfer membranes and layers of perfusion membranes, wherein the gas transfer membranes are oblique to the perfusion membranes.
Potting material surrounding membrane ends
Each element includes potting material surrounding ends of the gas transfer membranes and potting material surrounding ends of the perfusion membranes.
Generally round interior cross section
Each element has a generally round interior cross section defined at least primarily by inner surfaces of the potting material.
Motor adapted to rotate the elements
The bioreactor includes a motor adapted to rotate the one or more elements.
Claim 1 combines oblique layers of gas transfer and perfusion membranes, potting material surrounding the membrane ends, a generally round interior cross section defined primarily by the potting material, and a motor adapted to rotate the elements.
Stated Advantages
Not explicitly described in patent.
Documented Applications
The disclosure describes suspension-cell culture in the bioreactor.
A cell-culture trial with HEK293F cells reports cell growth and viable cells both suspended and retained in the membrane matrix.
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