Homeostatic and Mass Culture Technology

Summary

Mass culture technology is reviewed by an analysis of the variables (e.g., pH, temperature, osmolality, gaseous environments, perfusion rate)which influence the maintenance of cells in vitro. Techniques used for seeding and maintenance of multilayered cellular linings (pseudointima) on microfiber vascular prostheses are reported. Preliminary results with potential autologous cells, derived from human epidermis, are presented. Moreover, the equipment utilized for dynamic testing of the pseudointimally lined prostheses with pulsatile systolic/diastolic pressure is described. The future of large-scale tissue culture technique is briefly considered. One major concern expressed is the number of potentially toxic agents (e.g., water and steam contaminants, plasticizers, etc.) which influence cell viability and which are not adequately controlled.