Apparatus and Method for Growing Cells

摘要

A system and method for culturing cells is provided that includes an extra-capillary space between at least one permeable hollow fiber and an enclosed chamber. Cells are placed in the extra-capillary space to grow. One or more reservoirs containing cell-culture media and/or an oxygen-containing gas are provided in communication with the at least one fiber. The system is configured to generate alternating flows of both the cell-culture media and the gas through a lumen of the hollow fiber(s), thereby passing both nutrients and gas through the walls of the fiber(s) to the cells in the extra-capillary space to provide a suitable environment for growth and/or proliferation of the cells. Flows of liquid and gas through the hollow fiber(s) can be produced by gravity and/or various pumping configurations.