Agitation of aq. cell suspension for laboratory or industrial culture - minimising shear stress by displacing inert fluid to agitate suspension

摘要

Agitation of the suspension is effected by an inert fluid which is immiscible with water. The fluid is pref. denser or less dense than water rather than being of the same desnsity. The inert fluid is pref. a liquid perfluorated derivative. Agitation of the inert fluid is pref. derived from a pumping system, a bar magnet or a bladed rotor. The appts. pref. comprises a culture vessel with inlet and outlet coupled to a pumping circuit. The pumping action displaces the inert liq. which in turn agitates the suspension. The vessel is connected to a supply of substances to support the growth of cells. Process control instruments e.g. pH metre, are fitted as desired. The inert fluid serves as a shock-absorber between the aq. suspension and the mechanical agitator. The agitation of the suspension is extremely gentle without harmful shear stresses.