TubeSpin® Bioreactors

Frequently, acceptance of a ‘good idea’ comes only after years. TubeSpin bioreactors, short ‘TubeSpins’, modified 50ml centrifuge tubes belong to this category. These bioreactors, used for the culture of suspension cells (CHO, etc.) exceed the performance of other systems in terms of cell growth. High cell densities, similar to those in stirred-tank bioreactors with pH and oxygen control, cannot be achieved in widely used spinners or other small scale culture systems.

Why do they work? Any sterile environment which provides cells with enough oxygen, removes the waste product CO2, and mixes the suspension well with minimal physical impact (shear stress) will allow suspension cells to grow to their maximal potential at 37°C. In standard bioreactors (200 ml up to 20‘000 L) temperature, oxygen supply, efficient mixing without shear stress, and CO2 removal are assured by complex controllers, probes, pumps, valves, etc.

In TubeSpins, maintenance of the above-mentioned physico-chemical conditions is assured.

A) Mixing is provided by placing the TubeSpin on a platform that is shaken with a regular, orbital movement.

B) Temperature control is provided by a warm-room or inside of an incubator.

C) Oxygen supply and CO2 removal occurs when gas moves in and out through a 0.2 μm sterile filter membrane.

The liquid in the tube (120-300 rpm) drives a “minitornado”, thus assuring an efficient mixing of the gas volume. Cell consumed oxygen will reduce the O2 content of the gas, and CO2 produced by the cells will enrich the air over the liquid. Thus any concentration difference between the inside and outside of the tube will be equilibrated and thus provides adequate oxygen into the tube and will remove excess CO2 efficiently, maintaining the pH of the culture within a suitable range for the cells. Techno Plastic Products AG.