Computational fluid dynamics modeling of cell cultures in bioreactors and its potential for cultivated meat production—A mini-review
Fernando José Cantarero Rivera, Jiajia Chen
Abstract
Cultivated meat production was developed as a response to the rapidly increasing demand for meat consumption. Bioreactor designs were adapted from other bioprocesses to account for the high cell densities and final yield necessary to commercialize cultivated meat. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) models are useful tools to analyze the bioreactor performance (e.g., predicting shear stress, turbulence, and oxygen transfer rate) for better bioreactors design so that cell growth can be optimized. This review assesses the CFD models for seven types of bioreactors – stirred tank, wave/rocking, hollow-fiber, fluidized bed, airlift, rotary wall, and high-aspect ratio vessel –and compares strengths and weaknesses of the approaches taken. Traditional approaches include single-phase flow, k-ε turbulence models, and simplified water-like material properties to simulate bioreactor performance. Recent research has focused on using Large Eddy Simulations (LES) and multiphase flow to develop more accurate and robust models. Strategies that can improve CFD model development include incorporating dynamic rheological properties, simulating multiple phases to account for cells and microcarriers, compartmentalizing to speed up simulations, and integrating with micro-scale cell growth models.