The new reactor, the CellMaker Plus, features oxygen generation capability, dissolved oxygen (DO) and pH sensors that, the UK firm said, can be adjusted to enable the use of the “broadest range of cell types.”
This contention is further supported by the wide variety of lines used during the system’s development, which range from laboratory standbys like E.coli and Pichia to “more challenging” insect and mammalian cells.
Compatibility with a large number of cell lines gives Cellexus the biggest possible customer base for the product, which is important given that the disposable reactor market is already highly competitive.
This was highlighted in recent months with the launch of yet another new disposable bioreactor by ATMI and the formation of a reactor-focused development partnership by processing industry heavyweights Pall and New Brunswick.
And in the last few weeks Merck KGaA acquired Millipore which, given that growth in the bio-manufacturing was a key driver for the deal, makes it likely that competition in the bioreactor field will only increase.
Unique aeration tech
The new Cellexus reactor also uses the firm's range of disposable culture bags, designed to minimise cleaning requirements, as well as a unique aeration technology that the firm said is uniquely beneficial for biomanufacturing.
“Whereas other disposable systems require shakers, rockers, rollers or large environmental chambers, the CellMaker PLUS employs proprietary airlift technology to mix, aerate and maintain cell suspension.”
Try before you buy
The CellMaker Plus unit, which is available in eight and 50 liter versions, is like other products in the range available under the UK processing technology firm’s try before you buy rental plan.
The scheme, which was launched in September 2007 for Cellexus’ CellMaker Lite2 technology, enables manufacturers to rent the reactors on a monthly basis allowing them to optimise the system for large-scale production.