Contamination Control in Open-Vessel Cultivation

This study is a technical report that evaluates the performance of the Multitron 4 incubator shaker, which is equipped with an integrated HEPA filtration system, for contamination-free cultivation of bacterial and mammalian cells. The report outlines the ability of the Multitron 4 to maintain Class 10 (ISO 4) air quality within three minutes of door closure, effectively minimizing contamination risks without the need for decontamination cycles. The study includes methods for monitoring airborne contamination, surface cleanliness, and the effectiveness of the HEPA filtration system during open-vessel cultivation. Results indicate that both Escherichia coli and Chinese Hamster Ovary cells can be cultivated successfully in open vessels without contamination, demonstrating the system's capability to support clean environments for sensitive cell cultures. The findings suggest that the Multitron 4 enhances workflow efficiency by reducing downtime associated with cleaning and decontamination, making it suitable for high-throughput laboratory settings.