Control of dissolved oxygen concentration in mammalian cell culture using a computer-coupled mass flow controller

Summary A simple proportional control system for dissolved oxygen (DO) concentration in cell culture medium was developed by using a computer-coupled mass flow controller. The DO levels were very stable during the cultivation of Vero-6, while flow rates of air and/or oxygen enriched air were gradually changed depending on the DO concentration and the preset DO level. Vero-6 cells could grow normally to the confluence in the range of 30% and 50% of DO. Growth of Vero-6 at 10% of DO was markedly retarded.