Growth limitations in microcarrier cultures

Authors: M Butler

Publish Date: 1987

Volume: , Issue: , Pages: 57-84

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Abstract

The use of various commercially avaiable microcarriers is considered for the largescale growth of anchoragedependent animal cells Cell productivity in such cultures can be maximised by an analysis of various kinetic aspects of growth Such parameters as the critical cell to bead ratio at inoculation is particularly important in this respectThe full theoretical capacity of microcarriers to support cell growth can only be realised by an understanding of the interaction of the cell with is microenvironment The final cell yield in culture may be limited by the supply of nutrients or by the accumulation of inhibitory metabolites Glucose and glutamine are widely used as the major energy sources for cell growth and their relative concentrations in the media can influence cellular metabolism The products of such metabolism — lactic acid and ammonia — may be inhibitory and methods to reduce their accumulation should be considered The requirements for other essential metabolites such as amino acids vary but their supply should reflect the needs of each specific cell type The advantages of serumfree media and the problems of oxygen supply particularly in largescale microcarrier cultures are reviewedFull investigation of these parameters that affect cell productivity will result in an increased ability to control the culture of anchoragedependent animal cells on microcarriers This will lead to considerable benefits for the production of an expanding list of useful cell products

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