Utilizing the macroporous media for insect cell/baculovirus expression

Due to their bio-compatibility and high porosity, cellulose foam and polyurethane foam (PUF) were selected as the media to immobilize insect cells for recombinant baculovirus expression. In packed beds, entrapment efficiency and axial cell distribution are two prime important parameters associated with reactor performance. These two parameters were found to be affected by initial cell loading density and liquid circulation rate. Based on the entrapment kinetic model, the entrapment parameters as K ₀, σ _m could be evaluated. The establishment of the correlation between K ₀, σ _m and Reynolds number, N _Re, described in this study provided convenient tools to achieve an efficient cell entrapment in the packed bed. The appropriated circulation velocity for uniform cell distribution was also determined.