Table 2.

Table summarizing the advantages and limitations of the described large-scale systems.

Device	Max Capacitya	Cell density (ml−1)	Features	Disadvantages
Wave bioreactor (associated with microcarriers)	20 L/0.02 m3	2 × 106	• Tool for intensified scaling-up • Low shear stress • Operation in different batch modes	• Scale-up to >100 L is challenging • Large space is needed
Stirred tank (associated with microcarriers)	2,000 L/2 m3	2 × 106	• Easy of scaling up from benchtop to factory • Bioprocessing is well-understood • Flexible and automatic platform for very high-volume bioprocess	• Require optimization with cell line and microcarriers • Large volumes required • High shear stress
Packed bed	500 m2/ 0.03m3	3 × 106	• High density cell culture due to large surface available • Operation in different batch modes • Cell passage less frequent	• Packing material difficult cell harvest • Concentration of gradients
Hollow fiber bioreactorb	150 cm2/ml−1 0.00007 m3	1 × 109	• Increased surface to volume ratio • In vivo-like tissue structure (blood vessels)	• Difficult to harvest cells • Concentration of gradients

^aCommercially available.

^bVariable maximum capacity, as various cartridges can be connected in parallel.