Impact of Bioreactor Geometry on Mesenchymal Stem Cell Production in Stirred‐Tank Bioreactors

Human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) are manufactured as cell therapy products. This requires a tightly controlled and fully understood production process, usually taking place in a stirred‐tank bioreactor. In this review, the impact of bioreactor geometry as well as equipment‐related parameters is discussed. We provide a theoretical background for the engineering of hMSC spheroids with a defined size and evaluate the process parameters needed for the microcarrier‐based expansion of hMSCs. Finally, and based on experimental data, ideal bioreactor setups for each type of process are recommended. The review considers the manufacture of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) for therapeutic applications, focusing on the production of hMSCs as spheroids and their expansion on microcarriers. We consider the impact of bioreactor geometry on critical process parameters and recommend a bioreactor setup for each process type.