Method and System for Cell Cultivation

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method and system for aseptic material transfer from a storage container to a biore-actor. More precisely the invention relates to a method and system for aseptically transferring dry material, such as microcarriers for cell cultivation, to a bioreactor, comprising transferring microcarriers from a first container housing said microcarriers to a bioreactor for cell cultivation via r transfer tubing connecting the first container to the bioreactor, wherein the transfer is accomplished with pressurized air or gas supplied to the container.

1 - 7 . (canceled) 
     
     
         8 . A transfer system comprising one or more rigid containers holding dry material; one or more flexible transfer tubings for transferring dry material from the container to a bioreactor or to a first container from a second container; one or more flexible vent tubings including a dip tubing inserted in the container and connected to a source of pressurized air or gas. 
     
     
         9 . Transfer system according to  claim 8 , wherein the containers are bottle shaped and provided with an upper ported cap in which the tubings are attached to the containers. 
     
     
         10 . Transfer system according to  claim 8 , wherein the container, which is connected to the bioreactor, is placed on a scale. 
     
     
         11 . Transfer system according to  claim 8 , wherein the tubings are provided with valves and connectors. 
     
     
         12 . Transfer system according to  claim 8 , wherein the dry material is selected from microcarriers, dried media, powder or salts. 
     
     
         13 . Transfer system according to  claim 8 , which is sterilized, preferably by gamma radiation. 
     
     
         14 . Transfer system according to  claim 13 , wherein the dry material is microcarriers for cell cultivation. 
     
     
         15 . Use of a transfer system according to  claim 14  in a cell culture process, wherein microcarriers are provided to the bioreactor at any desired time in the process.