Patent ID: 6242248
Filing Date: 2001-06-05
Classification: C12M

Abstract:
A bioreactor comprising:a shell defining an internal chamber;a cell inlet port, in communication with the internal chamber, configured to admit a mixture of biologically active material suspended in a culture medium into the internal chamber;a cell outlet port, in communication with the internal chamber, configured to exit the mixture from the internal chamber;a bundle of liquid-permeable hollow fibers defining an intracapillary space, disposed within the internal chamber;a hollow fiber inlet port, in communication with the intracapillary space, configured to admit a perfusate into the intracapillary space;a hollow fiber outlet port, in communication with the intracapillary space, configured to exit the perfusate from the intracapillary space;a bundle of liquid-impermeable hollow tubes defining an intratubular space, disposed within the internal chamber;a hollow tube inlet port, in communication with the intratubular space, configured to admit an ultra-coolant substance into the intratubular space;a hollow tube outlet port, in communication with the intratubular space, configured to exit the ultra-coolant substance;wherein the bundle of liquid-impermeable hollow tubes are arranged in the internal chamber to facilitate freezing or vitrification of the mixture by the ultra-coolant substance flowing through the intratubular space.