Comprehensive analysis of Chinese hamster ovary cell viability loss in mini-hydrocyclones

• Published in: Powder technology 2024-04, Vol.438, p.119603, Article 119603
• Main Authors: Yuan, Peng, Yu, Jianguo, He, Liqun, Ji, Li, Wang, Xiaojie, Chu, Kaiwei, Kuang, Shibo
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Cell viability; Correlation model; Mini-hydrocyclones; Sensitivity analysis; Shear stress
• ISSN: 0032-5910; 1873-328X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.powtec.2024.119603

Mini-hydrocyclones are gaining popularity as effective tools for cell retention in perfusion cultivation. As the most widely used mammalian cell for cultivation, Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells experience a decline in viability after passing through mini-hydrocyclones. The reasons behind the cell viability loss within mini-hydrocyclones are not understood. This study aims to comprehensively examine the cell viability loss in relation to shear stress and pressure drop through a combination of experimental analysis and numerical simulations. The results show that a larger hydrocyclone conical factor or spigot diameter decreases pressure drop and shear stress, resulting in a lower cell viability loss. To evaluate the dependence of cell viability loss on shear stress and pressure drop, a correlation model is developed and a sensitivity analysis is performed. The results show that mean shear stress has the greatest impact on cell viability loss, followed by pressure drop and maximum shear stress. [Display omitted] •Hydrocyclone cone shape and spigot diameter affect cell viability loss.•Cell viability loss is analyzed with respect to shear stress and operating pressure.•A sensitivity analysis is conducted to analyze cell viability loss.•The mean shear stress affects the cell viability loss most significantly.