SINGLE USE CENTRIFUGE SYSTEM FOR HIGHLY CONCENTRATED AND/OR TURBID FEEDS

摘要

A method and apparatus for cell harvest of production scale quantities of cell cultures using single use components includes a flexible membrane mounted on a rigid frame and is supported within a multiple use rigid centrifuge bowl, such single use components including a core with an increased diameter and an internal truncated cone shape in order to permit the system to maintain a sufficiently high angular velocity to create a settling velocity suited to efficiently processing highly concentrated cell culture streams. Features which minimize feed turbidity, and others which permit the continuous or semi-continuous discharge of cell concentrate, increase the overall production rate over the rate which can be achieved using current intermittent processing methods for large cell culture volumes. Injection of a diluent during the cell concentrate removal process permits more complete removal of viscous cell concentrates.

主权项

1. Apparatus comprising:
a single use structure for a centrifuge system configured to separate cells in suspension in a cell culture batch, comprising: a rotatable upper flange, a feed tube, wherein the feed tube is configured to be rotationally fixed during cell suspension processing,
wherein the feed tube extends along a vertical axis, a centrate discharge passage, wherein the discharge passage extends along the vertical axis,
wherein the discharge passage comprises a discharge tube that is fluidly connected with a centrate outlet, a rotatable core,
wherein the core is disposed coaxially with respect to the feed tube,wherein the core is configured to receive cell suspension fed through the feed tube,wherein the upper flange is configured to rotate during cell suspension processing,
wherein during upper flange rotation, the core rotates relative to the feed tube and the discharge tube,wherein the core includes a core interior,
wherein the feed tube axially extends into the core interior,wherein the core interior includes an upper portion and a lower portion, a seal arrangement disposed annularly about the feed tube,
wherein the seal arrangement provides abutting engagement between the relatively rotationally movable portions of the single use structure,wherein the seal arrangement is configured to be air tight during cell suspension processing,wherein the seal arrangement is configured to be maintained in air contact in the core interior and isolated from contact with any of the cell culture batch during cell suspension processing.