Patent ID: 6783983
Filing Date: 2004-08-31
Classification: C12N

Abstract:
A method for the separation of cells from microcarriers on which they have been cultivated but from which they have become detached, comprising introducing an aqueous suspension of cells and microcarriers through an inlet into a separation device, the device comprising:(a) an inlet, situated at the bottom of the device; (b) a column, having a cylindrical upper section and a conical lower section, wherein the walls of the cone are at an angle which allows the beads that settle on the walls to move downward to the inlet; (c) an outlet for the collection of cells and the aqueous solution, situated at the top of the device; and (d) a mesh screen, located on the upper end of the column; wherein the microcarriers are retained in suspension by an upward flow in the separation device and are retained in the separation device by said mesh screen, and wherein the cells and aqueous solution are collected through the outlet.