| abstract |
A mass transfer apparatus and method is based upon use of a mass transfer chamber, such as a hollow fiber membrane bioreactor, with means to change the directional flow therethrough for enhancement of the mass transfer operation. The invention has particular utility in cell growth systems, where the periodic reversal of flow direction of a nutrient stream passed through the bioreactor equalizes dispersion of cell growth through the bioreactor and enhances the transport of metabolic waste from the cells being grown. |