Abstract
In this work the volumetric O2 transfer coefficient (OTC) through a membrane of a miniaturized hollow-fibre bioreactor was measured by the use of modified O2 microaxial needle electrodes. Before measurment, available electrodes were modified by inserting and gluering them in thin galss capillaries to avoid damage. No differences in the behaviour of the electrodes occurred in comparison to the non-modified electrodes. These modified electrodes allowed O2 partial pressure measurement in the 0.8-mm-high extracapillary space (ECS) of the bioreactor with high sensitivity and reliability. O2 measurements were carried out the two ports of the ECS at different insertion depths. The results of the measurements showed a homogenous O2 supply during variation of the radial co-coordinate of the electrode. In addition to these results, an increase in the local supply in the direction of medium flow was observed . The calculated mean OTC (47–63 h−1) gave extremely improved O2 transfer due to membrane aeration compared to conventional hallow-fibre systems and other bioreactors used in animal-cell culture technology. The improved OTC and the small ECS volume (4.3 ml) makes this culture system suitable for the cultivation of primary cells with tissue-like densities.
Published Version
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