The importance of cell culture is clearly indicated as new products derived from mammalian cells are introduced and the markets for these products grow. Since animal cells must be cultivated in low-shear environments, there is a serious problem to pH control in cultures of high cell concentrations. Lactic acid is mainly responsible for the problem. In perfusion culture systems, concentrations of lactic acid and other toxins or inhibitors can be kept at acceptably low levels. This, however, is not an efficient use of nutrients which usually are not depleted. This project aims to develop stable liquid membrane emulsions (LMEs) which can be applied to cell culture for pH control, lactic acid and other toxic or inhibitory material removal, and slow nutrient release to cells. Formation of LMEs will be studied by three different approaches: emulsification, oil-phase gelation or crosslinking, and encapsulation by coating around external/membrane phase interface. Application of LMEs will lead to more efficient cell cultures with high cell concentrations.
Potential Commercial Applications:This technology could be used in pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries involved in cell culture where separation processes must be conducted under low-shear conditions.STATUS: Project Proceded to Phase II
