Large-scale disposable shaking bioreactors : a promising choice

LEVEL: INTRODUCTORY A s disposables become increasingly important in biopharmaceutical manufacturing, more companies are replacing rigid stainless steel and glass components with f lexible, single-use plastics. Mixing tanks, filter assemblies, and tubing are some types of components that have successfully been replaced by disposable elements for cell-culture production of high-value compounds. However, the Wave bioreactor (www.wavebiotech.com) is so far the only available disposable option to conventional bioreactors. Here, we present a disposable bioreactor concept based on shake mixing, properties of which are outlined in the “Advantages” box.