Cellexus claims new bioreactor better at mixing than rocking systems

Cellexus has launched a new bioreactor system that employs an air-based mixing system that is better at aerating cell cultures than rocking or large chamber systems.

The new tech - known as CellMaker Plus – is a new verion of the system that the UK firm launched in 2010 that has improved software for pH and dissolved oxygen (DO) control.

The new system is designed to support the growth of bacteria and yeast cultures at high optical densities (OD) including oxygen ‘hungry’ organisms like E.coli, which are commonly used in the manufacturing of biopharmaceuticals.

Cellexus general manager, Bob Cumming, told BioPharma-Reporter.com the technology features a unique air dispersion system that aerates cell cultures from the base of the bioreactor bag.

“The shape of the CellMaker Bag is unique and is designed so that the low density mixture of aqueous solution and gas forms a riser current and is heated via a heating plate located on the inner surface” he said.

Cumming explained that the bag surface acts as a deflector and pushes the current to the front of the upper chamber which, coupled with the bag’s large surface area, allows gentle gas exchange for cell cultures that do not require vigorous aerating.

He added that: “The overall effect is much improved mixing and aeration of the cell culture mix over using shakers, rockers, rollers or large chambers to facilitate the cell culture process which is particularly advantageous for oxygen hungry cell types.”

Cellexus is aiming the system at customers in biopharmaceutical and contract manufacturing sector and according to Cumming has already “sold a number of systems across that range of target markets."