Hydrodynamics and mass transfer in a Couette-Taylor bioreactor for the culture of animal cells

A Couette-Taylor bioreactor device, commercialized by Synthecon for the culture of tissues, can exhibit interesting hydrodynamics and mass-transfer characteristics that could be well suited for the culture of animal cells in suspension. This is investigated through hydrodynamics and mass-transfer study on a plexiglass copy of the existing commercial equipment. Results of these studies show the potential of the Synthecon bioreactor for the culture of animal cells in suspension. The Synthecon bioreactor is then bought and actually used for the culture of CHO cells in suspension. First results confirm the approach developed on the plexiglass copy. (C) 2003 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.