Systems and Methods for Expanding High Density Non-Adherent Cells

Abstract

Embodiments described herein generally relate to systems and methods for promoting the expansion of high density non-adherent cells through the use of a cell growth chamber, a mass transfer device, and a fluid circulation loop. Improved cell growth is achieved in the cell growth chamber by using a chamber having a particular orientation and shape, e.g., conical, to create a media-rich reservoir for growing cells. By placing the chamber in a vertical position, the force of media flow along the chamber walls is substantially equal and opposite to the gravitational force on the cells. The interaction of these forces maintains the non-adherent cells in suspension. The use of the cell growth chamber in conjunction with the mass transfer device and fluid circulation loop(s) creates efficiencies by relying on the cumulative and combined features of the devices.

1 .- 32 . (canceled) 
     
     
         33 . A method of growing cells in a closed cell expansion system, the method comprising:
 providing a first volume of media in a cell growth chamber;   growing a first number of cells in the first volume;   fluidly associating the cell growth chamber with a mass transfer device and with a first fluid circulation loop;   providing a second volume of media in an intracapillary portion of the mass transfer device;   growing a second number of cells in the second volume;   providing a third volume of media in the first fluid circulation loop; and   growing a third number of cells in the third volume, wherein the first, second, and third number of cells are different.   
     
     
         34 . The method of  claim 33 , wherein the media flows through the cell growth chamber, the mass transfer device, and the first fluid circulation loop. 
     
     
         35 . The method of  claim 34 , further comprising orienting the cell growth chamber such that a flow of the media is equal to and opposite in direction to a gravitational force on the cells in the cell growth chamber. 
     
     
         36 . The method of  claim 35 , wherein the media comprises one or more from the group consisting of: a fluid, a gas, a nutrient, a metabolite, an ion, and a lactate. 
     
     
         37 .- 42 . (canceled)