A comparison of large-scale Sf9 insect cell growth and protein production: stirred vessel vs. airlift
Rice, J.W.; Rankl, N.B.; Gurganus, T.M.; Marr, C.M.; Barna, J.B.; Walters, M.M.; Burns, D.J.
Biotechniques 15(6): 1052-1059
1993
ISSN/ISBN: 0736-6205 PMID: 8292338 Document Number: 419077
A simple and relatively inexpensive stirred-vessel system for the large-scale growth of insect cells (Sf9) is described. Sf9 cell growth in a stirred-vessel fermentor and an airlift fermentor were compared on the basis of maximum cell density and average population doubling time. Also, both fermentor systems were compared with respect to the large-scale production of a recombinant human protein (protein kinase C-eta). No significant differences in Sf9 cell growth or protein expression levels were apparent between the two fermentor systems. However, large differences in cost and scale-up of each system are discussed with respect to the large-scale production of recombinant proteins.