Apparatus and methods for simultaneous operation of miniaturized reactors
US7507579B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 1, 2004 |
| Grant date | Mar 24, 2009 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 7, 2025 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S435/809
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The present invention provides a variety of microscale bioreactors (microfermentors) and microscale bioreactor arrays for use in culturing cells. The microfermentors include a vessel for culturing cells and means for providing oxygen to the interior of the vessel at a concentration sufficient to support cell growth, e.g., growth of bacterial cells. Depending on the embodiment, the microfermentor vessel may have various interior volumes less than approximately 1 ml. The microfermentors may include an aeration membrane and optionally a variety of sensing devices. The invention further provides a chamber to contain the microfermentors and microfermentor arrays and to provide environmental control. Certain of the microfermentors include a second chamber that may be used, e.g., to provide oxygen, nutrients, pH control, etc., to the culture vessel and/or to remove metabolites, etc. Various methods of using the microfermentors, e.g., to select optimum cell strains or bioprocess parameters are provided. The invention provides microreactors having a variety of different designs, some of which incorporate active stirring and/or have the capability to operate in batch or fed-batch mode. The i…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.