BioSep
Retention system for perfusion, concentration and
washing
The Applikon BioSep system is a unique, cell
retention device for high-density perfusion processes. Using high
frequency resonant ultrasonic waves to separate cells instead of a
physical mesh or membrane, it offers all the benefits of
traditional devices but without their inherent problems and
limitations.
The BioSep, based on the technology of acoustic resonance, is a
non fouling / non clogging retention system. It can be applied in
continuous mode which makes the BioSep the most favourable
instrument for perfusion cultures. The BioSep can be applied in
both R&D (max. 1L/day), process development and on production
scale (1000L/dag). Screening of cells and medium optimalisation
typically are applications in the R&D segment. Furhtermore the
BioSep can be seen as the first step in the DownStream Processing.
The economic advantages are evident and described in literature.The
technology of the BioSep also is very attractive for applications
such as concentration of cell / particles and washing (e.g.
beads).
Acoustic perfusion process
An acoustic perfusion process using the BioSep typically
involves continuous addition of fresh medium to the bioreactor,
while cells are filtered from the harvest stream by the resonator
chamber and returned to the bioreactor. The BioSep can be directly
mounted onto the bioreactor head plate. One standard mode of
operation employs, for example, a harvest pump at the exit port of
the resonator chamber, and a recirculation pump for the return of
separated cells that settled from the acoustic energy field within
the resonator chamber. Alternatively the BioSep system can also be
set up to allow for semicontinuous operation or alternative
strategies of cell recirculation.
Acoustic perfusion is generally applicable for suspended
mammalian and animal cell culture, but can also be adopted for
anchorage dependent cell lines, or the perfused culture of plant
cells. The BioSep separation principle is purely based on gentle,
acoustically induced loose aggregation followed by sedimentation.
In contrast to other cell separation techniques, the acoustic
energy mesh created within the BioSep constitutes "virtual", thus
superior-, non-contact, non-fouling, non-moving filtration means
allowing for up to thousands of hours of continuous operation. As a
result, greatly increased steady state cell density, productivity,
and product quality is obtained.
The Biosep has a capacity of 1L to 1000L/day, divided
over five different models. BioSep is using SonoSep
Technology
Other applications for the BioSep
- cell concentration
- cell washing
Features, Advantages and Benefits
- Proven under cGMP conditions
- Cost effective
- Easy to install and to operate
- Applicable on any type and brand of bioreactor
- long term cultivation possible (>60 days)
- no fouling or blocking
- no damage to the cells
- increased cell viability
- high separation efficiency
Some publications