Ultra-low shear flow for bioprocessing

VentriLabs has developed the DuaFLO® BioPump, a novel pumping system engineered for upstream and downstream bioprocessing. The device operates on a patented synchronised dual-membrane mechanism, generating continuous, non-pulsatile flow with shear levels significantly below those of existing pump technologies. This characteristic becomes particularly beneficial when handling shear-sensitive cells and biomolecules under process-relevant conditions.

Magnetically levitated centrifugal pumps have become the ‘go-to’ choice for low-shear perfusion applications, yet their performance is known to degrade at elevated cell densities and under variable viscosity or pressure conditions, both of which are common in intensified bioprocesses.

In externally conducted independent head-to-head testing, mammalian cells undergoing continuous tangential flow filtration (TFF) perfusion were circulated using the DuaFLO® BioPump in a direct comparison to a magnetically levitated centrifugal reference pump. The DuaFLO® system produced substantially lower levels of shear-induced stress metabolites, including ammonia and lactate. Cells processed using the DuaFLO® BioPump showed an average 25 per cent increase in immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody productivity compared to the reference condition. This demonstrates a direct link between reduced mechanical stress and improved cellular performance over time.

Beyond its core flow characteristics, the system incorporates built-in pressure and flow sensors for automated process control, integrated air management, single-step automated priming and a single-use cassette design that allows rapid replacement with minimal process interruption.

The DuaFLO® BioPump is currently entering its early access phase. Organisations working with perfusion-based upstream processes or downstream fluid handling applications are invited to contact VentriLabs to discuss participation. To apply, please contact VentriLabs.