Computational Fluid Dynamic Characterization of Vertical-Wheel Bioreactors Used for Effective Scale-Up of Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell Aggregate Culture

This publication evaluates the hydrodynamic performance of Vertical-Wheel bioreactors using computational fluid dynamics and biological validation with human induced pluripotent stem cell aggregates. The authors characterize velocity profiles, energy dissipation rates, shear environments, and mixing behavior across multiple reactor scales and develop scale-up correlations that preserve biologically relevant hydrodynamic conditions. Experimental studies demonstrated reproducible aggregate formation, expansion, viability, and maintenance of pluripotency when cultures were operated within defined engineering ranges. The work establishes quantitative relationships between reactor scale, agitation conditions, and cellular outcomes while providing practical guidance for process transfer from development systems to larger manufacturing platforms. The study contributes to development of rational scale-up strategies for aggregate-based stem cell manufacturing processes.