Effects of Shear Stress on the Growth of Hybridoma Cells Cultivated in Serum-Free Medium Coupled with Ammonia Removing System

Abstract

Serum-free perfusion cultures of mouse-mouse hybridoma TO-405 producing HBs monoclonal antibody were done in spinner flasks coupled with an ammonia-removing system. Ammonia in the culture broth was effectively maintained below inhibitory concentrations for cell growth. Maximum viable cell density levels similar to that in serum supplemented cultures as well a as higher of percentage viability were obtained using this system. Variation of the cross-flow rate through the ceramic filter between 0.29 m/s to 0.59 m/s did not cause immediate cell damage, but the shear stress generated in the system repressed the growth of the cells at the higher flow rate.