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Applikon BioSep

Scalable cell culture perfusion

The Applikon BioSep is a unique cell retention device for the process of constant feeding of fresh media and removal of spent media, while retaining a high number of viable cells. It uses high frequency resonant ultrasonic waves to separate cells and thereby automatically removes cell debris, which makes it the perfect solution for continuous bioprocesses.

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Applikon BioSep small for bioprocess perfusion
Applikon BioSep Medium for bioprocess perfusion
Applikon BioSep Production for bioprocess perfusion

The ideal solution for long-term perfusion operation

  • Automatic removal of cell debris
  • No damage to the cells
  • No fouling or blocking allows for long term operation
  • Scalable perfusion device (0.1 – 200 L / day)

Typical configuration of acoustic cell retention system

Typical configuration of acoustic cell retention system

1. BioSep controller

A BioSep controller automatically generates the acoustic field within the resonator chamber.

2. Resonator chamber

A resonator chamber, where cell separation occurs, is compact and easy to install on the bioreactor head plate.

3. Harvest pump

A harvest pump determines the perfusion rate in the resonator chamber.

4. Recirculation pump

A recirculation pump infuses cell suspensions into the chamber.

5. Feed pump

A feed pump functions as an actuator of the level control loop to keep the medium level in the reactor at a constant level.

6. Compressed air

Compressed air cools the transducer to prevent the resonator’s overheating and maintain the separation efficiency.

Inside the chamber

Inside the chamber

1. Cell suspension

Cell suspensions from the bioreactor are pumped into the resonator chamber mounted on the bioreactor head plate.

2. Aggregate formation

The standing acoustic waves force suspension cells into planes, where they form loose aggregates.

3. Clarified harvest

The clarified harvest flow passes through the acoustic field.

4. Concentrated cell recycle

The concentrated cells are returned to the bioreactor.

High separation efficiency

Using the technology of acoustic resonance allows for high separation efficiency (99%) without damaging any cells. One standard mode of operation employs, for example, a harvest pump at the exit port of the resonator chamber, and a recirculation pump for the return of separated cells that settled from the acoustic energy field within the resonator chamber. Alternatively, the Applikon BioSep system can be set up to allow for semicontinuous operation or alternative strategies of cell recirculation.

Easy to install and operate

The Applikon BioSep can be mounted directly onto the bioreactor head plate. An extensive characterization has proven full scalability between the different sizes allowing you to start in perfusion mode directly at the beginning of your process optimization all the way through to production.
The Applikon BioSep system is available in 1 L/day, 10 L/day, 50 L/day, and 200 L/day and is compatible with any brand of bioreactor.

Proven under cGMP conditions

The Applikon BioSep system is used as perfusion device in various commercially operated cGMP processes. The 50 L/day and 200 L/day separation model are by default supplied with all documentation and services required for cGMP operation.

Specifications

BioSep system Small Medium Large Production
Nominal perfusion rate 1 L/day 10 L/day 50 L/day 200 L/day
Minimum perfusion rate 0.1 L/day    0.7 L/day 5 L/day 20 L/day
Separation efficiency Up to 99% (depending on cell concentration and perfusion flow)
Minimum cell concentration 2 x 10⁵ cells/ml (depending on cell size)
Bioreactor connection 8 mm OD tube 12 mm OD tube Mounted separately Mounted separately
Clarified medium outlet 3 mm hosebarb 6 mm hosebarb 10 mm hosebarb 0.5” TC
Recirculation line inlet 4,5 mm hosebarb 6 mm OD diptube 0.5” TC 0.5” TC
Weight 0.2 kg 0.5 kg 1.5 kg 13 kg
Cuvette volume 3 mL 7 mL 50 mL 290 mL