In a groundbreaking development, GEA has unveiled the Kytero 10, hailed as the smallest single-use disc stack centrifuge globally. This innovation is designed for applications in both food product development and the biopharmaceutical industry, focusing on the separation of bacteria, cell cultures, and yeasts. Suitable for volumes ranging from one to ten liters, it represents the smallest model in GEA's range for cell separation and recirculation. Larger models within the Kytero series cover capacities from 500 to 2,000 liters.
Amidst the advancements in separation technology, GEA’s Kytero 10 emerges as a compact powerhouse. Utilizing advanced disc stack technology, this centrifuge ensures high cell visibility with continuous harvesting and perfusion processes. Its low shear design facilitates seamless transitions from laboratory scale to production size. Ideal for small batch and perfusion fermenters, the separator guarantees maximum safety against contamination through gamma-treated exchangeable units, eliminating the need for cleaning-in-place (CIP) and sterilization-in-place (SIP) processes.
The non-contact drive system, known as Breeze Drive, enhances safe operation under stringent biocontainment requirements. Continuous operation over the perfusion period clarifies the fermentation broth, enabling the removal of clarified liquid containing the product for subsequent process stages. In bacterial processes and novel food applications, the valuable cells are gently returned to the bioreactor, maintaining productivity.
Continuous processing not only reduces bioreactor size but also cuts costs by eliminating the wait for batch completion before cell separation and target protein recovery. Cells are discharged partially, allowing continuous production for weeks, accelerating the market introduction of new products at lower costs.
From its inception, the Kytero 10 has been engineered with ease of operation in mind, requiring only electricity and air for functionality, ready for the next process run within minutes.
In the heart of technological innovation lies the Kytero 10, transforming how industries approach cell separation and recirculation.
As a journalist covering this advancement, the Kytero 10's introduction signifies a pivotal shift towards more efficient and cost-effective processes in both food and biopharmaceutical sectors. By reducing reactor sizes and operational costs, industries can now focus more resources on research and development, fostering faster innovation cycles. This leap in technology not only benefits current applications but opens doors to future possibilities in cellular therapies and beyond, highlighting the potential for increased productivity and sustainability in industrial practices.