PBS-3
The bridge to the clinic: this is the single-use, cGMP-ready Vertical-Wheel® system to prove a process at scale before advancing to manufacturing.

Why PBS-3
This system is the step where process development becomes manufacturing readiness. The PBS-3 is designed to help teams transfer their PBS-MINI or MiniPRO-proven process can be transferred, standardized, and operated in a manufacturing-relevant environment.
Carry optimized process conditions from benchtop development into a manufacturing-relevant 3L scale.
Standardize every run with automated recipes that control process parameters, timed actions, and sequence-based workflows.
Designed for commercial and clinical manufacturing with single-use, cGMP-ready vessels and audit-ready 21 CFR Part 11-compliant software and IQ/OQ documentation.
Optimize the internal 60µm perfusion filter, or connect an external ATF system, to support high-density, closed-system processing and intensified workflows.
The PBS-3 Vertical-Wheel FLUIDIX™ Vessel
The PBS-3 runs pre-sterilized, single-use Vertical-Wheel FLUIDIX™ 3L Vessels for process scale-up and clinical manufacturing — building on development work established at smaller scales.
Proven With PBS-3
Published Vertical-Wheel data at this scale — protocols, app. notes, peer-reviewed papers, case studies, posters, webinars, etc.
The PBS Closed-System Sampling Conical supports aseptic, representative sample collection from PBS Vertical-Wheel® Bioreactors while maintaining process integrity and sample quality. The single-use assembly combines a gamma-irradiated vented conical, integrated dip tube, and weldable tubing to reduce contamination risk, handling steps, and operator variability. Compatible with stem cells, immune cells, organoids, and aggregate cultures, it supports routine in-process analyses including cell counts, viability testing, metabolite monitoring, and aggregate characterization.
This application note describes an hMSC manufacturing workflow using RoosterBio cell products, xeno-free media, and PBS Biotech Vertical-Wheel bioreactors. Studies evaluated microcarrier culture, fed-batch operation, harvest, scale-up, and cell quality. The low-shear, uniformly mixed environment supported robust attachment and cell densities up to 500,000 cells/mL within five days. Fed-batch processing improved media productivity by eliminating routine media exchanges and reducing labor. Comparable growth and metabolite control were maintained across development, pilot, and production…
This publication combines oxygen-transfer rate measurements through surface aeration for Vertical-Wheel bioreactors with specific oxygen-uptake measurements from human induced pluripotent stem cell aggregate cultures. Oxygen mass-transfer coefficients (kLa) were measured under different agitation rates, working volumes and headspace gas-flow conditions in 3, 15 and 80 L systems. The specific oxygen-uptake rate of iPSC aggregates was measured in a 0.1 L bioreactor using a custom dissolved oxygen probe configuration. These datasets were combined to estimate the theoretical maximum cell…
This video introduces the next-generation PBS-3 Vertical-Wheel Vessel. The updated design retains the original vessel form, bioreactor fit, and Vertical-Wheel® geometry, maintaining the established hydrodynamic configuration. Enhancements include added structural support, a mechanically secured lid, three open PG13.5 ports, relocated headspace ports, and additional submerged lines. The expanded port layout provides greater flexibility for sensors, medium exchange, sampling, aspiration, harvest, and sterile liquid handling.
This publication characterizes power consumption in Vertical-Wheel® Bioreactors across multiple operating conditions. Studies evaluated how agitation rate, working volume, and vessel geometry influence energy input, mixing, and process scalability. Experimental measurements quantified power number relationships and established engineering correlations for bioprocess development and scale-up. The findings describe how Vertical-Wheel® Technology distributes energy throughout the culture environment while maintaining suspension and mixing efficiency. These experimentally derived hydrodynamic…
This publication examines upstream process challenges associated with scale-up of pluripotent stem cell cultures for commercial allogeneic cell therapy manufacturing. Key variables include seed train generation, hydrodynamics, aggregate morphology, oxygen transfer, carbon dioxide removal, medium exchange, and harvest. Computational fluid dynamics and experimental studies demonstrate the use of energy dissipation rate as a scale-up parameter for maintaining consistent aggregate morphology. The authors also present oxygenation and scalable medium exchange strategies to address process…
PBS-3 Parts - (selected parts are added to the cart for quote requests)
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We Support You Every Step of the Way
Our application scientists help you get the most out of PBS-3, and help you plan the steps that come next.
Our application scientists optimize cell yield and quality on PBS-3 with you.
Equivalent set points from PBS-3 to PBS-15, CFD-validated at every step.
Guided-optimization packages that move you from R&D to clinical scale.
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