Multiphase Reactors for Cell Culture Technology

Abstract

This chapter presents a discussion on the major types of multiphase reactors that can be used for cell culture technology. It starts with a brief treatment of cell culture technology, biopharmaceuticals and basic aspects of animal cell culture. Different modes of operation of bioreactors are then presented and three relevant types of reactors and their advantages and drawbacks are discussed. A detailed discussion on stirred tank reactor (STR), which is particularly suitable for cell culture technology, focuses on hydrodynamic and mass transfer aspects, and on procedures for predicting the design parameters such as the gas hold up, and gas–liquid and cell‐liquid mass transfer coefficients. Finally, gaps in the existing literature and recommendations for future work are pointed out.