Cell Harvest
The practice of harvesting mammalian cells via centrifugation has been supplanted by depth filtration. Centrifugation operates on the principle of density differentiation between the particles to be separated and the surrounding medium. It is primarily utilised for separating solid particles from the liquid phase, thereby achieving fluid/particle separation. In contrast, depth filtration employs single-use plastic pods devoid of reusable wetted components. These depth filter pods are held in a vice-like holder, as the plastic housings themselves lack the necessary pressure capacity. Depth filtration serves as a viable alternative to centrifugation, albeit somewhat costly.
Microfiltration (MF) membranes find utility in harvesting cells from mammalian and bacterial cell cultures, resulting in a cell-free medium containing the biopharmaceutical product for subsequent purification and concentration steps.
Assemblies
- Transfer Assemblies
- 2D Bag Assemblies
- Single-Use Bottle Assemblies
- Centrifugal Tube Assemblies for Harvesting
Tubing
- Platinum-cured silicone tubing
- Pump-Grade Tubing has been developed for peristaltic pumps. It can endure extended periods of pumping
- Biopharmaceutical TPE Tubing; employed to establish a sterile closed system by welding two pieces of TPE tubing together
Sampling Systems
- Sampling Bottle System, available in sizes ranging from 60mL, is designed for obtaining sterile samples of the product to assess the quality
- Sampling Bag System, featuring 50mL bags for acquiring sterile product samples to assess quality
Filters
- Prefilters (integrated or separate) are accessible for eliminating substances from solutions
- Sterilising-grade filters are purpose-built for effectively and economically processing challenging-to-filter solutions
- Filters for Microfiltration, designed to cell harvesting
- Depth Filters for cell harvesting
Pumps
- The Quattroflow pump is a quaternary (4-piston) diaphragm low shear pump that enables gentle pumping through soft “heartbeats”. Each stroke of the four diaphragms is generated by an eccentric shaft, which is connected to the electric motor. This method of operation allows the Quattroflow pump to gently, safely and securely convey shear-sensitive aqueous solutions and biologic products with minimal impact.
Plastic Fittings & Connectors
- Sterile connectors are employed to link tube-to-tube or tube-to-column, maintaining a fully closed, sterile system
- Bioprocess Couplers/Fittings (such as Y-pieces, Tees, reducers, etc.) are available for tubing-to-tubing or tubing-to-bioreactor connections. These couplers are used to create your single-use assembly
Instrumentation
- Inline single-use sensors are deployed to monitor pressure, flow, conductivity, pH temperature, and turbidity, enabling the assessment of harvesting conditions