Batch and semicontinuous aggregation and sedimentation of hybridoma cells by acoustic resonance fields.

Ultrasound was used to enhance the sedimentation of hybridoma cells from medium in a 75 mL resonator chamber. Forces in the acoustic standing waves aggregated the cells, and the aggregates were then rapidly sedimented by gravity. Cell separation increased with acoustic treatment time and cell concentration. The separation efficiency was over 97% for cell concentrations between 10(6) and 10(7) cells/mL. During acoustic treatment at 180 W/L, the medium temperature increased at a rate of 1.3 degrees C/min. Ultrasonic exposures up to 220 W/L did not influence the viability or subsequent growth and antibody production of the cells. A decrease in cell viability was observed at a power level of 260 W/L. Batch separation efficiencies were as high as 98%. Acoustic separation was tested under semicontinuous operation, and above 90% separation efficiency was achieved at a flow rate of 0.7 L/h.