Single-use Stationary Bioreactors and Mixing Vessels
AssigneeTherapeutic Proteins International, LLC
InventorSarfaraz K. Niazi
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Stationary bioreactors and mixing vessels fitted with single-use flexible bags utilizing wave hydrodynamic principle are described for use in every type of biological process and products.
Claims12
An apparatus for mixing or agitating materials into final product comprising:
- a flexible container with at least four edges, a top surface, a bottom surface and containing said materials;
- a flat supporting means with four sides, a top surface, a bottom surface and of sufficient length and width to completely contain and hold said flexible container;
- at least one moveable flap affixed vertically to said top surface of said supporting means;
- a means of adjusting the position of said moveable flap;
- a mechanical means of moving said moveable flap in either direction;
- an electronic or mechanical means of controlling the amplitude and the frequency of the movement of said moveable flap.
A method of inducing a wave-type mixing motion inside said flexible container by moving at least one of said flaps in the direction of said flexible container with sufficient force to compress said top surface of said flexible container along its said edge and then reversing the direction of movement of said flap and repeating the operation periodically.
A method of inducing a reciprocal mixing motion inside said flexible container by moving two of said flaps attached to the opposing said sides of said supporting means in the direction of said flexible container alternately with sufficient force to compress said top surface of said flexible container along its said edges and then reversing the direction of movement of said flaps and repeating the operation periodically.
A method of inducing an orbital mixing motion inside said flexible container by moving all four of said moveable flaps in the direction of said flexible container sequentially with sufficient force to compress said top surface of said flexible container along its said edges and then reversing the direction of movement of said flaps and repeating the operation periodically.
A method of inducing a vertical mixing motion inside said flexible container by moving at least two of said moveable flaps attached to said opposing sides of said supporting means in the direction of said flexible container simultaneously with sufficient force to compress said top surface of said flexible container along its said edges and then reversing the direction of the movement of said flap and repeating the operation periodically.
A method of growing microorganisms, yeasts, plant cells, baculoviruses, and animal cells comprising of
- introducing a growth media into said flexible container;
- introducing sufficient starter quantities of said microorganisms, yeasts, plant cells, baculoviruses, or animal cells in said flexible container;
- providing means of aeration of said growth media in said flexible container;
- providing the required heating or cooling of said culture media;
- operating said flaps to induce mixing or agitation of media;
- removing said growth media upon completion of the growth of said microorganisms, yeasts, plant cells, baculoviruses, or animal cells reaction for further processing.
A method of mixing chemical and biological products comprising of introducing a solvent in said flexible container;
- introducing chemical or biological components into said flexible container;
- operating said flaps to induce mixing or agitation of said solvent to form a solution;
- removing said solution from said flexible container for further processing.
A method of refolding proteins dissolved or suspended in a chemical buffer comprising of
- introducing said buffer solution of proteins in said flexible container;
- applying sufficient cooling to said supporting means as required;
- operating said flaps to induce gentle agitation action;
- removing said buffer solution after completion of process for further processing.
A method of storing biological or chemical products comprising of introducing said products in said flexible container;
- applying sufficient cooling to achieve optimal temperature for stable storage of said biological or chemical products;
- optionally applying gentle mixing motion to keep said chemical or biological products homogenous.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.