• Microbiology and Biotechnology Letters
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• v.23 no.5
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• pp.499-505
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• 1995

Immobilization of anchorage-dependent animal cells was investigated using macroporous gelatin microcarriers developed in our laboratory. For the observation of the distribution of cells in macroporous beads, Vero-6 cells and CHO cells were cuttured and their distribution in macroporous beads was observed using a confocal microscope. In results, the final concentration of Vero-6 cells and CHO cells on macroporous beads was 2-3 times higher than that on commercial solid microcarriers (Cytodex-3). Also, macroporous microcarriers could hold cells in their macropores. Consequently, the pores protected cells against hydrodynamic shear. Based on Kolmogorov eddy length scale, the smaller eddies (80 $\mu $m) showed the detrimental effect on cells in macroporous beads as compared with 160 $\mu $m of eddies in conventional solid microcarriers.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.5 no.3
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• pp.163-166
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• 1995

Chemical modification of gelatin-based macroporous microcanier beads was achieved by increasing the charge density through incorporation of (diethylamino)ethylchloride-hydrochloride (DEAE:CI-HCI) or lysine, and this significantly improved the attachment and growth of HepG2 cells. When microcarriers were modified by the addition of 2% lysine, positive charge density was 0.95 meq/g-caniers. In case of modification of microcarriers with DEAE:CI-HCI, positive charge density was 0.6 meq/g-caniers. An increase in charge density of the microcaniers to improve cell attachment has facilitated the growth of the cells on macroporous gelatin microcaniers. Also, final HepG2 cell concentration cultivated on modified beads with DEAE:CI-HCI was increased up to $10^7$ cells/ml. This was 2-3 times higher than that obtained with unmodified macroporous gelatin microcarriers.