Question

Solution

How does the Wave Bioreactor compare to conventional stirred tank bioreactors?

Many studies have shown that the performance of the Wave Bioreactor exceeds, or equals that of a comparable stirred tank bioreactor. Capital cost is about 30% of a stirred tank and procurement / commissioning time can be reduced from 6 to 10 months for a stirred tank installation to a few days. Utility requirements are minimal. Saving in cleaning time and turnaround results in an overall operating cost about 1/3 that of a stirred tank.

When was the Wave Bioreactor developed?

Development was started in 1995 and the first commercial units were sold in 1998. Basic patents were granted in 2000 and 2001. Hundreds of units are now in operation all over the world. Read "The Wave Bioreactor Story" for the full story.

I am not sure that the Wave Bioreactor will work for my application. How can I test it?

Call us. Our cell culture experts will help you decide. We can put you in touch with existing users with similar applications. We provide on-site training and even a money-back performance guarantee.

Does air diffuse through the plastic culture bag?

No. The plastic is gas-tight. Air is introduced through an inlet filter, purged through the headspace, and then exhausted out the outlet filter. Surface turbulence caused by rocking ensures oxygen transfer to the liquid phase.

How well does the Wave Bioreactor scale-up?

Scale-up in the Wave Bioreactor is well-proven with many cell lines and virus systems. Units up to 580 liter culture have been operated successfully. The unique aeration system of the Wave Bioreactor actually improves on scale-up and in most cases, the only parameter that changes on scale-up is a small reduction in rocking rate and rock angle.

Can I use the Wave Bioreactor for GMP and human therapeutic production?

Certainly. All culture contact components meet USP Class VI standards. All Cellbags are lot tested for endotoxin and come with complete documentation. Many companies use the Wave Bioreactor in GMP operations and have received, or are expecting regulatory approval. The Cellbag is ideal for GMP production since it eliminates cleaning and sterilization validation concerns.

Is it possible to grow attachment-dependent cells in the Wave Bioreactor?

Cells do not stick to the bag so it is necessary to introduce microcarriers into the bag. Several users have reported good results with various commercial microcarriers. See the literature section for published data.

What culture volumes are possible?

Spans a range of 50 mL to 500 liters. SYSTEM2/10 takes CELLBAG.500mL (4 segments @ 50 mL - 250 mL), CELLBAG2L (0.1-1 liter) or CELLBAG10L (0.5-5 liters). SYSTEM20/50 with a KIT20 handles two CELLBAG2L, two CELLBAG10L (0.5-5 liters) or a single CELLBAG20L (1-10 liters). With a KIT50, a single CELLBAG50L (5-25liters) or two CELLBAG22L (1-10 liters) can be accommodated on this system. SYSTEM200 can use two CELLBAG100L (5-50 liters) or a single CELLBAG200L (10-100 liters). SYSTEM500/1000 can use two CELLBAG500L (50-250 liters) or a single CELLBAG1000L (100-500 liters).

How do I sample the bioreactor?

Every Cellbag has a unique sampling connector that can be used WITHOUT a biosafety cabinet. A standard syringe (WITHOUT NEEDLE) can be used to add or withdraw materials repeatedly during the culture.

How do I measure and control dissolved oxygen?

We have special flexible fiber-optic dissolved oxygen probes (DOOPT-PROBE) that can be inserted aseptically into the Cellbag.

How do I control pH?

pH can be controlled by adjusting the CO₂ content in the Cellbag headspace. The CO2MIX instrument can provide 0-15% CO₂ in air from a pure CO₂ supply. An optional pH controller can also be purchased utilizing a special Cellbag containing a micro pH probe. The controller can operate an Acid/Base pump for precise pH control.

Can I do perfusion culture? How do I maintain constant liquid volume in the bag?

Load cell options are available for SYSTEM20/50 and 200 to provide online weight monitoring. Pump control outputs can be used to trigger feed and harvest pumps to maintain constant volume.

Are there any options for recording data and alarming?

All Wave Bioreactors are equipped with communication ports. These use a standard RS485 MODBUS protocol which allows easy interface to user computer systems. Alternatively our data acquisition software (PCDAQ) provides easy access to data on Windows-based PCs.