Scalable CAR-NK Cell Expansion Using Vertical-Wheel Bioreactors with XCell ATF Perfusion
This application note evaluates scalable CAR-NK cell expansion in PBS Vertical-Wheel® Bioreactors integrated with XCell® alternating tangential flow (ATF) perfusion. Human peripheral blood NK cells were activated, transduced, and expanded in PBS-3 bioreactors using batch, fed-batch, or perfusion feeding strategies. Studies assessed cell growth, metabolism, apoptosis, CAR expression, harvest, cryopreservation, and cytotoxic potency. A responsive perfusion strategy based on cell density and glucose consumption improved expansion compared with fixed perfusion schedules while maintaining comparable cell health. At 3 L scale, perfusion generated higher expansion than fed-batch culture, and PBS-3-expanded cells demonstrated greater relative potency than static G-Rex controls. The application note also outlines XCell® ATF integration and medium-exchange workflows for CAR-NK manufacturing.
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…
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