A new compact and cell dense continuous culture system.

A new compact and cell dense continuous culture system was developed. The system consisted of a culture bag, which had two compartments separated by a semipermeable membrane, and an external rotator. Cells were cultured in the inner compartment with medium containing serum or the necessary growth factors. The outer compartment was filled with medium without serum or growth factors. The concentration of cells in culture was normally in the order of 10(7). Due to the large number of cells, sufficient carbon dioxide was produced so that use of a CO2 incubator was unnecessary. The medium in the outer part was frequently changed, but no medium changes were necessary in the inner bag. Using this system, a concentrated yield of antibody as well as a large number of cells could be obtained.