Application of an industrial disc stack centrifuge for the separation of hybridoma cells as a first step in downstream processing

Abstract

We tested a prototype disc stack centrifuge for the separation of animal cell cultures from 80 L and 2000 L fermentations. The clarification capacity was excellent for the cells but small particles remained in the clarified liquid phase and cut down the variety in downstream processing. No significant loss of product was detected. Further improvement in mechanical engineering is necessary to remove subcellular particles, to enlarge the range of operation and to reduce temperature and pressure effects inside the bowl.