Apparatus and Methods for Cell Culture

Abstract

A bioreactor ( 1 ) for the culture of cells (C) comprising a stack of carriers ( 7 ) for cell (C) adherence and liquid medium (M) distribution. The carriers ( 7 ) are stacked so as to define levels ( 6 ) between adjacent carriers ( 7 ) for the flow of the liquid medium (M). Adjacent levels ( 6 ) are fluidly interconnected via open spaces ( 2 ) so that the liquid medium (M) can flow from one level ( 6 ) to an adjacent level ( 6 ). The open spaces ( 2 ) between a first and an adjacent second level ( 6 ′) do not overlap with the one or more open spaces ( 2 ) between the second level ( 6 ′) and an adjacent third level ( 6 ″). One or more of the carriers may also include an area adapted to prevent cell adhesion or growth, thereby allowing for the viewing of cell growth on adjacent carriers from a vantage point external to the bioreactor. Related methods are also disclosed.

1 . A bioreactor ( 1 ) for the culture of cells (C), comprising first and second carriers ( 7 ) each having at least one inlet for admitting a fluid medium, the first carrier including a first portion adapted for cell (C) adherence, a second of the carriers further including a second portion adapted to prevent cell adherence, whereby the second portion of the second carrier allows for viewing the first portion of the first carrier when the first and second portions align. 
     
     
         2 . The bioreactor ( 1 ) according to  claim 1 , wherein the first and second portions comprise surfaces on the carriers ( 7 ). 
     
     
         3 . The bioreactor ( 1 ) according to  claim 1 , wherein the second portion includes an optically transparent material between the second carrier and the first carrier. 
     
     
         4 . The bioreactor ( 1 ) according to  claim 1 , further including a single housing for receiving the carriers ( 7 ). 
     
     
         5 . The bioreactor ( 1 ) according to  claim 1 , wherein the carriers ( 7 ) comprise stackable trays or cubes. 
     
     
         6 . The bioreactor ( 1 ) according to  claim 1 , further including a third carrier having the first portion adapted for cell adherence and a third portion adapted for preventing cell adherence for aligning in use with the second portion of the second carrier. 
     
     
         7 . The bioreactor ( 1 ) according to  claim 1 , wherein the second portion comprises an opening formed in the carrier. 
     
     
         8 . (canceled) 
     
     
         9 . A bioreactor ( 1 ) for the culture of cells (C), comprising a stack of N carriers ( 7 ), wherein carrier N−1 has at least one area adapted to prevent cell adherence, whereby the area of carrier N−1 allows for viewing a cell growth area on carrier N through carrier N−1. 
     
     
         10 . The bioreactor ( 1 ) according to  claim 9 , wherein carrier N−2 has at least two areas adapted to prevent cell adherence, a first of the prevent areas allowing for viewing of a first cell growth area on carrier N−1 and a second of the prevent areas allowing for the viewing of a second cell growth area on carrier N using a line of sight through the prevent area of carrier N−1. 
     
     
         11 . A bioreactor ( 1 ) for the culture of cells (C), comprising a stack of N carriers ( 7 ), wherein carrier N−M has at least M area(s) adapted to prevent cell adherence, whereby the area(s) of carrier N−M allows for viewing a cell growth area on carrier N through carrier N−M. 
     
     
         12 . A bioreactor ( 1 ) comprising a stack of N carriers and having an optically transparent line of sight from an external vantage point to a cell growth area on a surface of carrier N−1. 
     
     
         13 . The bioreactor ( 1 ) according to  claim 12 , further comprising a column of transparent material (T) for forming the optically transparent line of sight. 
     
     
         14 .- 117 . (canceled) 
     
     
         118 . A carrier ( 7 ) for a bioreactor ( 1 ) for use in culturing cells, the carrier including a surface having an area adapted for cell adherence and an area adapted for preventing cell adherence. 
     
     
         119 . The carrier of  claim 118 , wherein the surface for preventing cell adherence is associated with a piece of transparent material (T). 
     
     
         120 . The carrier of  claim 118 , wherein the surface for preventing cell adherence is hydrophobic. 
     
     
         121 .- 122 . (canceled)