title: Gas transfer characteristics of a novel membrane bioreactor.
abstract: We show the design features of a membrane bioreactor based on pulsatile flow across dimpled membranes. Results show an enhanced mass transfer of air of at least five-fold magnitude as compared with flat membranes. An increased working volume form 20 mL to 120 mL reduced the k(L)A at a given Reynolds number because of axial mixing of fluid from the deoxygenated end chamber. The bioreactor was used to supply air to a hybridoma mammalian cell line, and the calculated oxygen uptake showed that high-density cultures could be maintained in a 20 mL, single-dimpled cultures could be maintained in a 20 mL, single-dimpled membrane system. Indirect aeration of a 2 L continuous stirred tank reactor, by a double-membrane system, showed that air could be supplied to mammalian cells at cell densities of approximately 4 x 10(6) /mL.
authors.affiliation: School of Applied Biology, Lancashire Polytechnic, Preston, Lancashire, UK.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Beeton
authors.forename: H R
authors.initials: HR
authors.lastname: Millward
authors.forename: B J
authors.initials: BJ
authors.lastname: Bellhouse
authors.forename: A M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Nicholson
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Jenkins
authors.forename: C J
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Knowles