Expansion Of DF-1 Chicken Fibroblast Cell Line In The Corning® CellCube® System

By Ann Rossi Bilodeau and Ann Ferrie

This application note explores the use of the Corning CellCube system for expanding the DF-1 chicken fibroblast cell line, which is an alternative to primary chicken embryo fibroblasts for vaccine production. The study establishes basic cell culture parameters for the expansion of DF-1 cells in the CellCube system and describes the materials and methods used for cell scale-up and closed system expansion. The study found that using a lower volume of medium in the CellCube system resulted in similar cell viability and faster doubling time compared to traditional vessels, leading to a higher overall cell yield. The efficient delivery of nutrients and gas in the CellCube system allows for lower medium volumes and increased cell yield. The study suggests further optimization of medium formulation and conditioning parameters to improve cell expansion and demonstrates the potential benefits and applications of the Corning CellCube system for avian vaccine production.