Calcium alginate immobilized hybridomas grown using a fluidized-bed perfusion system with a protein-free medium

Hybridoma SPO1 cells were immobilized in calcium alginate beads and were further grown in a fluidized-bed perfusion system with a protein-free medium. The presence of serum in the steps of entrapment was shown to be helpful for the preservation of cell viability. Each step during immobilization was investigated with respect to the extent of cell damage caused. The immobilization process using small beads caused a lower cell viability initially but allowed a higher rate of cell growth subsequently, compared to those in large beads. In a perfusion system for the continuous production of monoclonal antibodies (MAb), the viable cell density reached 2×10⁷ cells per ml of beads with a viability of 40%. Compared with the cells in suspension culture, the immobilized SPO1 cells showed higher viable cell based specific rates of substrate uptake (glucose and glutamine) and of MAb production. A significant drop in the formation of lactate after the cell growth entered a steady state suggested a higher activity of the Tricarboxylic Acid Cycle in the cells when the cell density became high.