Types Of Microcarriers Research Articles

3D bone tissue engineered with bioactive microspheres in simulated microgravity.

Three-dimensional (3D) osteoblast cell cultures were obtained in rotating-wall vessels (RWV), simulating microgravity. Three types of bioactive microcarriers, specifically modified bioactive glass particles, bioceramic hollow microspheres, and biodegradable bioactive glass-polymer composite microspheres, were developed and used with osteoblasts. The surfaces of composite microspheres fully transformed into bone apatite after 2-wk immersion in simulated physiological fluid, which demonstrated their bone-bonding ability. The motion of microcarriers in RWVs was photographically recorded and numerically analyzed. The trajectories of hollow microspheres showed that they migrated and eventually stayed around at the central region of the RWV. At their surfaces, shear stresses were low. In contrast, solid glass or polymer particles moved toward and finally bounced off the outer wall of the RWVs. Cell culture studies in the RWV using bone marrow stromal cells showed that the cells attached to and formed 3D aggregates with the hollow microspheres. Extracellular matrix and mineralization were observed in the aggregates. Cell culture studies also confirmed the ability of the composite microspheres to support 3D bone-like tissue formation. These data suggest that the new hollow bioceramic microspheres and degradable composite microspheres can be used as microcarriers for 3D bone tissue engineering in microgravity. They also have potential applications as drug delivery systems.

Culture and function of electrofusion-derived clonal insulin-secreting cells immobilized on solid and macroporous microcarrier beads.

In view of the advantages of the bulk production of clonal pancreatic beta cells, an investigation was made of the growth and insulin secretory functions of an electrofusion-derived cell line (BRIN-BD11) immobilized on a solid microcarrier, cytodex-1 or a macroporous microcarrier, cultispher-G. For comparison, similar tests were performed using BRIN-BD11 cells present in single cell suspensions or allowed to form pseudoislets. Similar growth profiles were recorded for each microcarrier with densities of 4.4 x 10(5) +/- 0.3 cells/ml and 4.2 x 10(5) +/- 0.2 cells/ml achieved using cytodex-1 and cultispher-G, respectively. Cell viability began to decline on day 5 of culture. Insulin concentration in the culture medium reached a peak of 26 +/- 2.0 ng/ml and 24 +/- 2.2 ng/ml for cells grown on cytodex-1 and cultispher-G, respectively. Cells grown on both types of microcarrier showed a significant 1.5-1.8-fold acute insulin-secretory response to 16.7 mmol/l glucose. L-alanine (10 mmol/l) and L-arginine (10 mmol/l) also induced significant 3 4 fold increases of insulin release. BRIN-BD11 cells immobilized on cytodex-1 or cultispher-G out-performed single cell suspensions and pseudoislets in terms of insulin-secretory responses to glucose and amino acids. A 1.3-fold, 2.2-fold and 1.7-fold stimulation of insulin secretion was observed for glucose, L-alanine and L-arginine respectively in single cell suspensions. Corresponding increases for pseudoislets were 1.6-1.8-fold for L-alanine and L-arginine, with no significant response to glucose alone. These data indicate the utility of micro-carriers for the production of functioning clonal beta cells.

Performance study of perfusion cultures for the production of single-chain urokinase-type plasminogen activator (scu-PA) in a 2.5 l spin-filter bioreactor

A perfusion-control strategy based on cellular consumption rates of oxygen and glucose was established for the production of single-chain urokinase-type plasminogen activator (scu-PA). Employing this strategy, the influences of microcarrier types and the culture media on culture performances were evaluated. In the control perfusion culture, which used a solid microcarrier and a 1% fetal bovine serum (FBS) medium, viable cell density reached 3.1 × 107 cells ml−1. However, formation of large, heterogeneous aggregates (500–1,000 μm) resulted in a gradual decrease in viable cell density to less than 1.0 × 107 cells ml−1. Accordingly, declines in the production of urokinase-type plasminogen activator (u-PA) and in the scu-PA portion of u-PA were observed.

Scale up cultivation of primary human umbilical vein endothelial cells on microcarriers from spinner vessels to bioreactor fermentation

Five types of dextran-based microcarriers (Dormacell(™), Pfeifer and Langen) with different concentrations of dimeric DEAE anion-exchange groups (nitrogen contents from 1.2 up to 2.9%) were tested as growth substrates for the cultivation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). All microcarriers were gelatinized before use to improve cell adhesion. The one with the highest DEAE-group density was found to be most suitable for HUVEC propagation reaching final cell densities of 8×10(5) viable cells ml(-1) (95% viability) using microcarrier concentrations of 3 g l(-1). Furthermore, metabolic data of glucose/lactate and amino acid metabolism are presented in this study. The concentrations of 18 amino acids were monitored throughout cultivation. A considerable decrease of glutamine and inverse increase of glutamate was observed. Cultivation with initial glucose concentration of 16.5 mmol l(-1) resulted in high glutamine consumption rates, whereas high glucose-supplemented starting culture medium (30 mmol l(-1)) gave considerably lowered rates, indicating altered glutamine metabolism due to different glucose feeding. The glucose consumption and lactate production rates increased 2.6 fold and 3.5 fold, respectively, due to switch over from low to high glucose supplemented cultures. The rate of glucose metabolism was found not to be directly related to cell growth, because almost identical growth rates and doubling times were obtained. Considering the remaining 16 amino acids measured, serine concentrations considerably declined and glycine as well as alanine concentrations raised strongly. Most amino acid values were found insignificantly altered during 14 days of cultivation. Spinner vessel cultures served as inoculum for up scale propagation of HUVECs in membrane stirred 2 liter bioreactors. About 5×10(9) HUVECs were produced, which were used for the isolation and structural characterization of glycosphingolipids, cell membrane compounds, which are suggested to be involved in e.g. selectin-carbohydrate interaction (cell-cell adhesion), carcinogenesis and atherogenesis.

Membrane anchored protein production from spheroid, porous, and solid microcarrier chinese hamster ovary cell cultures

The influence of the microcarrier type on the performance of a controlled release process used to produce a recombinant glycosyl-phosphatidylinositol anchored protein was investigated. Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells expressing the human melanoma tumor antigen (p97) were cultured in 10% serum on Cultispher-GH porous microcarriers and then, for protein production, maintained in 2% serum. Cells were harvested every 48 h and p97 was recovered at 90 mug/mL and 40% purity. Harvested p97 concentrations were increased by harvestingfrom spheroid (241 mug/mL) and smaller porous microcarrier, Cultispher-G (167 mug/mL) cultures. The low total cell specific p97 production of cells cultured on Cultispher-GH was due to necrosis of cells within the beads, decreased p97 expression of the immobilized cells, dilution by the liquid (up to 40% volume) associated with settled beads, and incomplete recovery of p97 from within the beads. Cells cultured on solid microcarriers, Cytodex-1, had the highest cell viability and cell specific p97 production, It is recommended that a two-stage cyclic harvesting process of cells cultured on small Cultispher-G or on Cytodex-1 beads would minimize protein loss and maximize cell specific protein recovery. (c) 1995 John Wiley & Sons Inc.

Microcarrier technology, present status and perspective

Only a decade after Van Wezel introduced the first product made in microcarrier cultures on industrial scale at economically acceptable costs, namely Inactivated Polio Vaccine (IPV), interest was taken in this revolutionary type of cell growth system. The basic idea was to develop a culture system with equal potentials for control of environmental culture conditions and scaling up as the systems used in industrial microbiology. Although initially only positively-charged beads were used it soon became clear that negatively-charged or amphoteric materials such as proteins or amino acids polymerized to the surface were equally useful. Eventually numerous different types of microcarrier were developed. The second generation of microcarriers consisted of macroporous beads providing increased surface area for cell attachment and growth by external and interior space. Such microcarriers offer great potential for high cell densities and enhanced productivity for certain production systems, especially recombinant CHO-cells. These carriers, which not only provide possibilities for anchorage-dependent cells but also for cells growing suspension, can be used in homogeneous bioreactors as well as in fluidized or fixed-bed systems. Despite considerable in vestments and research on the development and improvement of microcarriers one question is still open: is microcarrier technology still in its infancy or is it full-grown and is the basic idea relized? In this paper a general overview will be given of the present state of microcarrier technology and also of its perspectives.

Cellular affinity is the only deciding factor for microcarrier selection for the cultivation of anchorage dependent cells

Vero and BHK-21 cells are not attached and spreaded equally on the same microcarrier. BHK-21 cells require a microenvironment similar to the mammalian tissue for attachment and spreading. Cellular affinity, which control adhesion to the surface, varied with the growth phase, membrane integrity and the type of microcarrier.

Growth of human vascular endothelial cells on various types of microcarriers

Various types of microcarriers were tested as growth substrate for the cultivation of either endothelial cells from human umbilical cord veins or of EA.hy926, an immortalized cell line of endothelial origin. Cell growth was tested on microcarriers in tissue culture flasks and spinner flasks. Solid (Cytodex type I, II, III, Gelibeads, Mica) and macroporous (Polyhipe, CultiSpher GL, PolyporE type I) microcarriers were tested. For the solid carriers the best results were obtained with Mica and for the macroporous carriers with CultiSpher GL.

Experimental-scale measles and mumps vaccine production on microcarrier-grown cells.

Small-scale measles and mumps virus propagation in microcarrier-grown cells was studied to assess putative advantages over conventional roller-type virus propagation. Significantly higher virus yields could not be attained with microcarrier cultures in cell stirrers, therefore making the advantages purely technological. The pattern of measles virus production was slightly different for the three types of microcarriers used. Experimental measles and mumps vaccine lots obtained met vaccine quality control requirements.

Kinetics of prourokinase production by human kidney cells in culture

The kinetics of prourokinase production by human kidney cell line TCL were investigated using microcarriers, roller bottles and a ceramic system. The type of microcarriers used for cell cultivation affects not only growth kinetics but also the duration of post-confluent production period. Different clones of cells derived from the same line can also exhibit different growth kinetics on different types of microcarriers. The effect of serum concentration on the prourokinase production was examined. Using a low serum concentration of 1 % the production of pro-urokinase on microcarriers, roller bottles and a ceramic system was compared. In all three systems the production was sustained over an extended period reaching beyond confluence.

Human fibroblastic cells attach to controlled-charge and gelatin-coated microcarriers at different rates

Human embryonic fibroblastic cells, FS-4, attach to Cytodex 1 and Cytodex 3 microcarriers at different rates. The first order rate constant for attachment to Cytodex 1 is two-fold higher than that to Cytodex 3. After attachment no difference in growth kinetics on the two types of microcarriers was observed.

Growth of Anchorage–Dependent Cells on Macroporous Microcarriers

A new type of microcarrier, based on gelatin, which possess large cavities available for the growth of anchorage–dependent animal cells, has been prepared. Besides the increase of surface area, this semi–entrapment protects the fragile cells against mechanical damage. Cell yields as well as plating efficiencies were found to be superior to solid microcarriers.

Experiences with a new type of microcarrier

Two new microcarriers were tested and showed good properties in cell attachment, cell growth and production of Human-β-Interferon. Cell densities up to 5·106 cells/ml on microcarriers were reached in 1 l bioreactors.

Alternative surfaces for microcarrier culture of animal cells.

As part of an effort to broaden the applicability and efficiency of microcarrier cell culture various alternative new microcarriers were synthesized. The microcarriers were compared as substrates for the growth of several types of cells and with respect to binding of proteins from the culture medium. Cross-linked dextran has been found to be the most suitable material for a microcarrier matrix and was used as the matrix for the new microcarriers. One type of microcarrier was synthesized so that the charges necessary for cell attachment were present only in the surface layer of the microcarrier in the form of N,N,N-trimethyl-2- hydroxyaminopropyl groups. The resulting microcarriers had a very low capacity to bind proteins from the culture medium (e.g. albumin and IgG) and such proteins could be removed from the cultures more efficiently than when using previous microcarriers. A new principle was used for the development of the other type of microcarrier. A surface layer of cross-linked denatured collagen provided the surface for growth of cells. These microcarriers provided a "natural" substrate for cell growth and allowed improved attachment and spreading of cells with epithelial morphology. Harvesting cells from these microcarriers with proteolytic enzymes was more efficient than with previous microcarriers. The two alternative microcarriers should result in improved process efficiency and have a potential value in the preparation of live vaccines.

Growth of endothelial and HeLa cells on a new multipurpose microcarrier that is positive, negative or collagen coated

A new cell culture microcarrier that can be covalently bonded by cell attachment proteins and can be thin-sectioned for electron microscopy was synthesized. It was easily made by sulfonating cross-linked polystyrene beads for a negative surface charge followed by covalent attachment of polyethylenimine for a positive charge. Cell attachment proteins, e.g. collagen, was covalently bonded directly to the microcarrier using a carbodiimide or after activating the microcarrier surface with glutaraldehyde. HeLa-S3 cells attached, spread and grew to confluence more efficiently on the positive microcarriers and those coated with collagen than on the negative ones. Endothelial cells grew best on those with a negative surface charge. The nature of the microcarrier surface was not the only aspect involved in cell adhesion but also the type of serum proteins adsorbed. Qualitatively different proteins coated the microcarriers depending upon whether the carrier was negative, positive or coated with collagen. Comparison of various types of available microcarriers indicated that the modified cross-linked polystyrene beads used here were best for transmission and scanning electron microscopy. Endothelial cells grown on the microcarriers had the same ultrastructure as cells grown in monolayers in culture dishes. Of a variety of microcarriers tested the modified cross-linked polystyrene beads were the only ones that could be used for both ultrastructural and biochemical techniques.

Primary suspension culture of calf anterior pituitary cells on a microcarrier surface

AbstractIn order to achieve a steady‐state primary culture system for mammalian cells, with the potential to eventually correlate and control cell function and growth, a serious evaluation of various suspension systems was made. Calf anterior pituitary cells were employed as a differentiated cell type and successfully cultivated in a microcarrier suspension culture system. DEAE‐Sephadex was demonstrated to be a satisfactory type of microcarrier. The cells readily attached to the bead and, after a short lag period, they actively proliferated on the bead surface to yield growth of a predominantly epithelial cell type. Under specific conditions the microcarrier supported primary cell growth up to levels of 2 × 106 cells per ml. High bead concentrations inhibited cell growth. The inhibition could be overcome by using proportionately higher cell inoculum so that a concentrated culture with 5 × 106 cells per ml was achieved. The inhibitory effect of high bead concentration was found to be due to the absorption of serum protein and certain growth enhancing factors. The fact that the growth enhancing factors were released from cells during the period of trypsinization and were both thermostable and nondialyzable, seems to suggest one approach to a dialysis culture system. In addition, relatively trauma‐free primary cell cultures can be achieved by using explant culture without prior trypsinization. In microcarrier suspensions direct growth of primary rat mammary tumor cells was also demonstrated.