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Quantitative Flow Measurements in Bioreactors by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Bio/Technology volume 8, pages 327–330 (1990)Cite this article

Abstract

We have developed nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) flow imaging techniques to measure fluid flow in a cell-free hollow fiber bioreactor (HFBR). Using 1H NMR we track the motion of protons and obtain velocity distributions as a function of position and time. These measurements enable the visualization of flow patterns needed for module design and for establishing desired operating conditions. Uneven flow in the cell-containing region of an HFBR can result in concentration gradients and uneven cell distribution that may lead to reduced cell viability. Results from this non-invasive method could be used to design more efficient cell bioreac-tors or membrane separation devices.

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Author notes

  1. Carole A. Heath

    Present address: Dartmouth College, Thayer School of Engineering, Hanover, NH, 03755

  2. Scott D. Mirer

    Present address: Toshiba America MRI, Inc., 280 Utah Ave., South San Francisco, CA, 94080

  3. Bruce E. Hammer: Corresponding author.

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Intermagnetics General Corporation, 1223 Peoples Ave., Troy, NY, 12180

    Bruce E. Hammer

  2. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Chemical Engineering Department, Troy, NY, 12180

    Carole A. Heath & Georges Belfort

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  1. Bruce E. Hammer
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  4. Georges Belfort
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Hammer, B., Heath, C., Mirer, S. et al. Quantitative Flow Measurements in Bioreactors by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Imaging. Nat Biotechnol 8, 327–330 (1990). https://doi.org/10.1038/nbt0490-327

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/nbt0490-327

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