Optimizing culture conditions for the production of animal cells in microcarrier culture

Abstract

Cytodex 1 microcarriers have been used for the successful culture of more than 80 different types of animal cells--including primary cells, normal diploid cell strains and established or transformed cell lines. culture volumes have ranged from a few milliliters for diagnostic studies to over several hundred liters for vaccine production. Experience with this wide variety of cell types and culture volumes has enabled the identification of several parameters critical for obtaining maximum cell yields from microcarrier cultures. The most vital stage for the successful microcarrier culture of many cell types was the initial stage of the culture cycle. To achieve high cell yields, it was necessary to use culture procedures which maximized plating efficiency and final cell yield could be further increased by ensuring that the inoculation cell density exceeded a critical viable cell/microcarrier ratio. Modifications of the standard microcarrier culture procedures included reducing initial culture volume, reducing the initial stirring speed and/or supplementing the medium during the early stages of the culture cycle. Control of pH, nutrient supply, and gas tension were all critical throughout the culture cycle. Results with low-serum and serum-free media indicate that the requirement for fetal calf serum in the microcarrier culture of Vero and MRC-5 cells can be reduced or even eliminated. Large scale microcarrier culture equipment should take into account the modified culture procedures which are often required to achieve the full potential of this culture method. The design of a new flexible culture system suitable for pilot and production scale cultures is presented. This system accomodates a wide variety of culture and production procedures and through a recirculation system permits: (a) "in-line" monitoring and control of culture parameters; (b) provides an efficient gas exchange capacity which obviates the need for fermenter headspace and sparging; and (c) allows for maximal utilization of medium components and rapid harvesting of medium or cell products.