Small-scale microcarrier cultures play a crucial role in process development, allowing researchers to refine conditions before scaling up to larger bioreactors. However, managing small-scale cultures requires careful optimisation to ensure reliable and reproducible results. Here are five essential tips to enhance your small-scale microcarrier culture and set the foundation for successful scale-up.

  1. Use a Non-Adherent Well Plate
    Choosing the right culture vessel is critical for microcarrier-based systems. Non-adherent well plates prevent unwanted cell attachment to the plastic surface, ensuring that cells remain on the microcarriers. This enhances consistency, allowing accurate assessments of cell attachment and growth within the microcarrier system.
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  2. Don’t Over-Dilute the Well
    Maintaining the correct ratio of microcarriers to culture medium is key to optimal cell attachment and growth. Over-dilution can reduce the likelihood of cells encountering microcarriers, leading to inefficient seeding and lower yields. Ensure the well is adequately populated with microcarriers while maintaining a balance that prevents excessive crowding.
  3. Use Small Scale to Define Seeding Density and Surface Area
    Small-scale experiments provide an excellent opportunity to determine the ideal seeding density and microcarrier surface area for your specific cell type. Use these conditions to establish optimal cell attachment and proliferation parameters before transitioning to larger bioreactors. This data-driven approach helps mitigate risks and improves scalability.
  4. Mix Cells and Microcarriers in a Sterile Tube Before Placing into the Well
    Pre-mixing cells and microcarriers in a sterile tube ensures even distribution before they are added to the well plate. This prevents inconsistencies in cell attachment that may arise from uneven seeding. Gentle mixing also minimises shear stress while improving overall culture uniformity.
  5. Gently Agitate the Well Plate Each Day to Minimise Aggregation
    Static cultures are prone to microcarrier aggregation, which can lead to uneven cell growth and nutrient limitations. Gently agitating the well plate each day helps prevent microcarrier clumping and enhances nutrient distribution. This simple intervention significantly improves culture homogeneity and supports optimal cell expansion.

By optimising your small-scale microcarrier culture, you can establish robust and reproducible conditions for larger-scale applications. If you’re looking for high-performance microcarriers tailored for efficient cell growth and scale-up, Smart MCs is here to support your bioprocessing needs.

Explore our cutting-edge solutions and take your small-scale culture to the next level with Smart MCs!

Need help with your cell culture? Email us at info@smartmcs.com.au.