Next-Generation Sparger Technology Sets New Standards for Cell Culture Performance in Single-Use Systems

Dual sparge design help reduce shear and foam generation while allowing optimal balance between oxygen transfer and CO2 stripping

BOSTON—BioProcess International 2013 (September 17, 2013) – Next-generation sparger technology sets new standards for cell culture performance in Thermo Scientific HyPerforma Single-Use Bioreactor BioProcess Container systems. Cell growth is dependent on the availability of the right amount of oxygen in the bioprocess. Sparging controls the air and gas flow to create the optimal environment for cell growth.

The new sparger design in Thermo Scientific HyPerforma Single-Use Bioreactor (S.U.B.) BioProcess Container systems is engineered to produce a consistent bubble size for predictable scale up and performance from the Thermo Scientific 50L to the 2000L S.U.B. The new dual sparger design consists of a micro- and macro-sparger integrated into the standard Thermo Scientific S.U.B. BioProcess Container systems.

“This new micro- and macro-sparge configuration is gentle on cell cultures at high gas flow rates, provides sufficient O2 delivery and dramatically increases CO2 stripping capacity,” said Millie Ullah, senior product manager for single-use systems at Thermo Fisher Scientific. “This next-generation design sets a new standard of performance, flexibility, and ease of use during scale-up for all cell culture applications.”

Thermo Fisher will showcase its new HyCell TransFx media this week at the BioProcess International Conference and Exhibition, September 17-19, 2013, Hynes Convention Center, Booth # 611.

The micro-sparger incorporates a porous frit design that produces small bubble sizes in the range of 20-40m, creating a higher surface area and better oxygen transfer. The new macro-sparger, known as the Drilled Hole Sparger (DHS), is a film-based sparge disc with laser drilled pores that have a specific size and quantity tailored for each S.U.B. volume. The larger air bubbles of the DHS support the micro-sparge with oxygen transfer and improve the removal of CO2.

For more information about Thermo Scientific single use bioreactors, visit: www.thermoscientific.com/bioprocessing.

About Thermo Fisher Scientific

Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. is the world leader in serving science. Our mission is to enable our customers to make the world healthier, cleaner and safer. With revenues of $13 billion, we have 39,000 employees and serve customers within pharmaceutical and biotech companies, hospitals and clinical diagnostic labs, universities, research institutions and government agencies, as well as in environmental and process control industries. We create value for our key stakeholders through three premier brands, Thermo Scientific, Fisher Scientific and Unity Lab Services, which offer a unique combination of innovative technologies, convenient purchasing options and a single solution for laboratory operations management. Our products and services help our customers solve complex analytical challenges, improve patient diagnostics and increase laboratory productivity. Visit www.thermofisher.com.