Disposable cartridges that work with a platform in a flexible system for processing and / or manipulating fluids.

Abstract

To provide equipment and / or apparatus for manipulating and processing fluids. [Solution] The present invention relates to the integration of instruments and / or devices in a system for manipulating and / or processing any type of fluid. Specifically, the present invention relates to disposable cartridges and platforms that cooperate with each other in a flexible system for manipulating fluids, as well as to a flexible system for manipulating fluids. More specifically, the present invention is intended for cultured cells.

Description

Object of the Invention

[0001] The present invention consists of equipment and / or apparatus for manipulating and processing fluids. The invention relates to the integration of this equipment and / or apparatus in a system for manipulating and / or processing any kind of fluid. In particular, the invention relates to a disposable cartridge and a platform cooperating with each other in a flexible system for fluid manipulation, and to a flexible system for fluid manipulation. More specifically, the present invention is intended for cell culture.

[0002] Background of the present invention Currently, for each process of processing and / or manipulating fluids, a specific system or apparatus is designed that is capable of performing the process. More specifically, there exist different biological reaction systems or systems intended for the process of culturing or expanding cells, however, these biological reaction systems or systems are generally each specific to the culturing process and the type of cells to be cultured. In other words, there is no system with sufficient flexibility to culture different types of cells, and the same applies to other processes for processing and / or manipulating fluids. Processes for processing and / or manipulating fluids can be understood as including cell culture processes, chemical engineering processes, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and the like.

[0003] Given that each type of cell is cultured by different methods and under different physical and / or chemical conditions, each culture system or biological reaction system has hitherto been designed to solve problems associated with a specific type of cell culture. However, this practice has the drawback that an apparatus or system must be designed completely from scratch in order to carry out each individual process.

[0004] In each cell culture system or biological reaction system, numerous valves are typically used throughout the system. These valves are connected to multiple channels or tubes contained within the system. These biological reaction systems have the disadvantage that, in addition to the need to connect each of these valves to the system so that it can be controlled by a computer in order to operate the entire apparatus or system, each tube or channel must be positioned at its corresponding location and between each valve. Therefore, in addition, known culture systems have the disadvantages of being too manual, complex, and prone to errors when connecting the numerous components incorporated into the cell culture system. Furthermore, these same disadvantages can be extrapolated to other processes for handling and / or manipulating fluids.

[0005] A flexible system has been developed that enables the processing and / or manipulation of any fluid, thus solving these technical problems. In other words, a platform has been developed that works in conjunction with a disposable cartridge (which functions as a disposable cartridge). This means that only consumable elements suitable for each process of processing and / or manipulating fluids are required, and a single platform is always used for each process. Thus, a flexible system is provided that enables any process, in particular any type of cell culture under any physical and / or chemical conditions.

[0006] Description of the present invention The present invention offers a solution to the aforementioned problem by means of a disposable cartridge cooperating with the platform described in claim 1, a platform for cooperating with the disposable cartridge described in claim 11, and a flexible system for manipulating fluids described in claim 15. Dependent claims define preferred embodiments of the present invention.

[0007] A first aspect of the present invention provides a disposable cartridge that works in conjunction with a platform in a cell culture system. The disposable cartridge is characterized by comprising the following: At least one biological reaction chamber suitable for storing and / or processing fluids, A conduit network configured to circulate fluid and communicate with the interior of at least one biological reaction chamber, and Flow control means for controlling the flow of fluid circulating through a conduit network, and flow control means for controlling the flow of fluid configured to connect to a platform actuator via a first multiconnector. Here, the fluid circulating in the conduit network and the fluid stored and / or processed in the biological reaction chamber are culture media, liquid culture media, cells, or any combination thereof.

[0008] Throughout this specification, “disposable cartridge” will be understood as a fixed element or device formed by a set of components including, in particular, one or more chambers, a conduit for fluid circulation, and flow control means for controlling the flow of fluid circulating through the conduit. Furthermore, the disposable cartridge will be understood as a disposable element; that is, an element that, once used or when the fluid processing process is completed, can be discarded and replaced with another element.

[0009] Disposable cartridges that can be replaced with new ones that work together on the same platform advantageously provide flexibility to systems for processing and / or manipulating fluids. In other words, there is no need to design and manufacture an entire system for a specific fluid processing process; rather, different consumable elements that work together on the platform for different processes for manipulating and processing fluids are used.

[0010] Disposable cartridges include a chamber, which can be understood as a container or reservoir capable of containing fluids for processing and / or manipulating them by different processes for processing and / or manipulating the fluids. More specifically, the chamber may be understood as a biological reaction chamber, or a chamber in which a chemical reaction takes place, or a chamber in which a biological process takes place.

[0011] The disposable cartridge further includes a conduit network formed by a plurality of connected conduits and / or tubes that can communicate with each other and / or with the fluid inside the chamber.

[0012] Flow control means for controlling the flow of fluid are configured to be actuated by actuators included in the platform. When a disposable cartridge interacts with the platform, the fluid flow control means connects to the actuators via a first multiconnector included in the disposable cartridge. In this specification, “connection” will be understood as the act of two or more components communicating with each other. In other words, the fluid flow control means are configured to communicate with the actuators of the platform.

[0013] A disposable cartridge is configured to work with a platform in a flexible system for manipulating fluids. In other words, when a disposable cartridge works with a platform, different components of the disposable cartridge connect to or come into contact with the platform or its components. Furthermore, the disposable cartridge must connect to or be connected to the platform in order to begin working with the platform or vice versa. For example, the disposable cartridge connects, for instance, the flow control means of the consumable element to the actuating means of the platform via a connection and / or coupling between a first multi-connector of the consumable element (disposable cartridge) and a second multi-connector of the platform.

[0014] In certain embodiments, the disposable cartridge further includes fastening means configured to secure the disposable cartridge to a platform. Advantageously, it can be fixed, coupled, and / or connected to a platform of a system for manipulating and / or processing a fluid. In other words, as a result of the fastening means, the disposable cartridge can be fixed to the platform.

[0015] In certain embodiments, the flow control means for controlling the fluid flow is configured to connect to the actuator via a first multiconnector in fluid communication. In other words, when a disposable cartridge works with the platform, the flow control means for controlling the fluid flow is actuated by the actuator included in the platform via a fluid connection through the first multiconnector. In other words, there is a fluid connection between the flow control means for controlling the fluid flow and the platform, in particular the actuator, and they are in fluid communication with each other.

[0016] Advantageously, the presence of a first multiconnector in the disposable cartridge and a second multiconnector in the platform, and the coupling and / or connection between them, facilitates fluid connections in the tubes or connectors through which the fluid (compressed air or nitrogen) of the disposable cartridge circulates together with the operating means of the platform that provides the compressed air or nitrogen, respectively.

[0017] In more specific embodiments, the fluid communication between the flow control means for controlling the fluid flow and the platform's actuating means is compressed air or nitrogen. In other words, the actuating means uses compressed air or nitrogen to actuate the fluid flow control means of a disposable cartridge.

[0018] In another specific embodiment, the flow control means for controlling the fluid flow is configured to communicate electrically with the actuator via a first multiconnector. In other words, when a disposable cartridge works with the platform, the flow control means is actuated by the actuator included in the platform via an electrical connection through the first multiconnector. In other words, there is an electrical connection between the flow control means for controlling the fluid flow and the platform, in particular the actuator. This means that they are electrically in communication with each other.

[0019] The presence of a first multiconnector in the disposable cartridge and a second multiconnector in the platform, and the presence of couplings and / or connections between them, advantageously facilitates the electrical connection of the tube, or the electrical connection between the operating means of the platform that provides said electrical communication and the disposable cartridge.

[0020] In more specific examples, to obtain the desired cell culture, the culture medium and initial cells are first housed inside at least one chamber.

[0021] In certain embodiments, a disposable cartridge includes a plurality of containers connected to a network of conduits suitable for containing fluids, and configured to be in fluid communication with each other and / or with the interior of at least one biological reaction chamber.

[0022] Each of the multiple containers contained in the disposable cartridge is understood as a storage reservoir or chamber. Each has a different use depending on its application, i.e., depending on the fluid handling process involved. Advantageously, the disposable cartridge of the present invention is a single device, i.e., it gives the user complete freedom to design and implement a fluid handling process with a single system for manipulating and / or processing fluids.

[0023] In a more specific embodiment, the disposable cartridge includes a residue container connected to a conduit network configured to contain fluid residue from at least one chamber. In another specific embodiment, the disposable cartridge includes a reservoir configured to contain fluid or final product, which is in fluid communication with the interior of at least one chamber via a conduit network.

[0024] Advantageously, the residue container is capable of containing fluid circulating in the conduit network, as well as fluid from the interior of the chamber, or other fluid from another container contained within the disposable cartridge, such as a washing fluid from a washing container. The residue container is in fluid communication with the interior of at least one chamber via the conduit network. Furthermore, the residue container is suitable for containing residual fluid, fluid that is negligible in the process of treating or manipulating fluid, or fluid that is of no interest to the user.

[0025] In the specific case of cell culture, residual medium from the chamber or residues of culture medium are delivered to the residue container.

[0026] The reservoir is understood as a final container in which fluid or a final product is stored. That is, it contains the resulting fluid, final product, or a portion thereof which is of interest after treating and / or manipulating the initial fluid or fluid initially present inside the chamber, or fluid introduced into the chamber for a process of treating and / or manipulating at least one fluid. Advantageously, the fluid or combination of a plurality of fluids can be obtained directly from the reservoir as the final product without carrying out additional steps to obtain the desired final product. In the specific case of cell culture, the desired final product or fluid is understood to be cultured cells or final cells, and / or culture medium, which is contained within the reservoir.

[0027] In a specific embodiment, at least one biological reaction chamber is configured to receive at least a first initial product from a first antechamber via the conduit network. In the specific case of cell culture, the first initial product may be understood as the initial cells or the initial cells and culture medium.

[0028] In a more specific embodiment, the at least one biological reaction chamber is further configured to receive a second initial product from a second anterior chamber via a conduit network, preferably via a first anterior chamber. In other words, the second anterior chamber can be in direct fluid connection with the interior of the at least one chamber. However, it is preferred that the second anterior chamber is in fluid communication with the first anterior chamber. That is, the second initial product is first introduced into the interior of the first anterior chamber, and then conveyed together with the first initial product through the conduit network into the interior of the at least one chamber. In a specific example of cell culture, the second initial product may be understood as a medium, that is, a medium suitable for culturing cells.

[0029] In a specific embodiment, the disposable cartridge includes at least a first anterior chamber suitable for storing at least a first initial product, and the first anterior chamber includes a first inlet for introducing the first initial product.

[0030] At least the first fluid or initial product is initially contained in the first anterior chamber. That is, prior to a process for treating and / or manipulating the fluid, it is circulated or conveyed through the conduit network into the interior of the chamber for subsequent treatment or manipulation.

[0031] In this specific embodiment, the first anterior chamber is arranged in the disposable cartridge. However, in another specific embodiment, the first anterior chamber is not part of the disposable cartridge and can be arranged in the platform or outside the system for treating and / or manipulating the fluid.

[0032] In another, more specific embodiment, a first pre-chamber initially contains at least a first initial product, and at least one chamber contains a second initial product. In other words, when the first initial product from the first pre-chamber is introduced into the chamber, it reacts with the second initial product, which results in the processing or manipulation of the fluid (product). However, advantageously, the presence of the first pre-chamber allows at least one initial product to be initially contained in a vessel other than the at least one chamber in which at least one fluid is to be processed and / or manipulated. This prevents the processing of the fluid from being initiated before or in an abrupt manner.

[0033] In a more specific embodiment, the first pre-chamber includes a second inlet for introducing a second initial product from the second pre-chamber. In a more specific embodiment, the second pre-chamber is located in a disposable cartridge. In another specific embodiment, the second pre-chamber is located within a platform. In a specific example of cell culture, as can be seen, before the cell culture process is initiated, i.e., before the initial product is introduced into the chamber and before the fluid processing and / or operation is initiated, the culture medium contained in the second pre-chamber may be introduced into the first pre-chamber along with the initial cells or the initial cells and the culture medium together, before both the initial product and the initial product are introduced into the chamber.

[0034] In another specific embodiment, the disposable cartridge includes at least one sensor connected to a conduit network. The at least one sensor is configured to measure at least one fluid parameter.

[0035] At least one sensor contained in a disposable cartridge is configured to connect to a processing means of the platform's control unit. Advantageously, the presence of one or more sensors allows for the control of the processing of at least one fluid contained within the chamber and / or circulating through the conduit network. In a specific example of cell culture, these sensors allow for the control of the state of cells and culture medium during the cell culture process carried out within the biological reaction chamber.

[0036] In certain embodiments, a disposable cartridge includes a cleaning container connected to a conduit network, the cleaning container being configured to discharge cleaning fluid from within along the conduit network.

[0037] In certain embodiments, a disposable cartridge includes a conditioning means configured to adjust at least one of the initial products before being introduced into at least one biological reaction chamber. The conditioning means can adjust the pH of the fluid, the concentration of O2 dissolved in the fluid, or the ionic force of the fluid. Advantageously, the initial fluid can be adjusted via the conditioning means before entering at least one chamber.

[0038] In a more specific embodiment, the conditioning means is a heating means configured to heat at least one of the initial products before it is introduced into at least one biological reaction chamber. In other words, if one of the initial products is contained in the pre-chamber at a specific temperature, or if these same initial products themselves are at a specific temperature, preferably below the desired initial temperature, the temperature of the initial product can be advantageously altered via the heating means before it is introduced into the at least one chamber. In a more specific embodiment, the heating means is a heater. In a particular example of cell culture, if the culture medium is exposed to a temperature lower than the desired temperature, the medium is heated via the heating means. However, since the medium is introduced into a first pre-chamber or directly into the biological reaction chamber, the medium for cultured cells must be heated before it comes into contact with the initial cells.

[0039] In certain embodiments, the flow control means for controlling the fluid flow is a valve, a pump, or a combination thereof.

[0040] In more specific embodiments, the valve is a pipe pinch valve and / or a solenoid valve. Advantageously, the use of this type of valve does not interfere with the pipe or conduit.

[0041] In yet another specific embodiment, the pump is a peristaltic micropump. The peristaltic micropump is configured to drive or circulate fluid through a conduit and to further act like a conventional pump or valve. This type of micropump may be disposable.

[0042] In certain embodiments, the system includes means for driving the circulation of a fluid contained in at least one chamber via a conduit network. In more specific embodiments, the means for driving the circulation of the fluid is a peristaltic pump, or compressed air injection, or a communicating vessel, or a combination thereof. A peristaltic pump for driving the fluid contained in a chamber is mainly formed from a motor, understood as an actuator, and a head having an inlet and outlet that connect to conduits in the actual conduit network of a disposable cartridge. In detail, the pump motor is located within a platform, and the inlet and outlet of the pump head are connected to the conduit network and are part of the disposable cartridge itself. In certain embodiments where the disposable cartridge is coupled to a platform, the head of the disposable cartridge is connected to and / or coupled to a motor located on the platform. In more specific embodiments, at least one peristaltic pump, in particular the pump motor, is configured to be fixed to a fixed structure of the platform via fixing means.

[0043] In certain embodiments, a disposable cartridge includes a housing structure that houses at least one chamber, part of a conduit network, and flow control means for controlling the fluid flow. The housing structure is configured to be fixed to a first structure. This can be understood as a male structure of a platform via the fixing means. In more specific embodiments, the fixing means is a second structure. This can be understood as a female structure configured to be fixed and / or coupled to the first structure, i.e., the male structure of the platform.

[0044] Advantageously, the housing structure can be easily integrated into the platform. This simplifies the connection and / or integration of the platform and the disposable cartridge.

[0045] In another specific embodiment, the residue container and reservoir are located outside the housing structure and are configured to be housed in a second compartment of the platform. The residue container and reservoir are configured to be fluidly connected to the inside of the housing structure via external conduits adapted to be connected by connectors and connected to the inside of the conduit network or chamber. In the specific case of cell culture, the connectors are sterile.

[0046] The fact that both the reservoir and the residue container are located outside the housing structure is advantageous in that, in processes where two or more final fluids or excess fluid residues may be obtained, the containers, i.e., both the reservoir and the residue container, can be replaced with new ones. Furthermore, in certain embodiments of cell culture, or in other processes where it is crucial not to contaminate the fluid circulating through the system from the outside, the fact that both the reservoir and the residue container can be replaced with new containers as a result of sterile connectors leads to such replacement or substitution of containers without interfering with disposable cartridges.

[0047] In another specific embodiment, the heating means is configured to be housed in a second compartment of the platform.

[0048] In another specific embodiment, the housing structure is configured to include temperatures higher than those of the storage module for the fixed components.

[0049] In a second aspect of the present invention, the present invention provides a platform for working with a disposable cartridge of any embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention in a cell culture system. It is characterized by comprising the following: Actuator configured to act on a flow control means to control the fluid flow of a disposable cartridge, A second multi-connector configured to connect the first multi-connector of the disposable cartridge to the operating means, and A control unit configured to control the operation of the operating means and the disposable cartridge.

[0050] The second multiconnector, when working with the platform, is coupled or connected to the first multiconnector of the disposable cartridge. Advantageously, the multiconnector allows for the centralization of connections to each of the flow control means for controlling the fluid flow with the actuating means via the multiconnector. This results in a simple and rapid connection between the disposable cartridge and the platform as a result of the coupling of these multiconnectors.

[0051] The control unit can control both the actuating means and the flow control means, which are located within a disposable cartridge and control the flow of the fluid actuated by the actuating means.

[0052] In certain embodiments, the platform includes a first structure, which can be understood as a male structure configured to hold a disposable cartridge, and is preferably its housing structure.

[0053] In certain embodiments, the actuating means is a gas distribution means, which is configured to communicate with the disposable cartridge via first and second multiconnectors, when a flow control means that controls the fluid flow of the disposable cartridge is configured to communicate with the actuating means via a first multiconnector. More specifically, the gas distribution means is a means for distributing compressed air, nitrogen, or CO2-enriched air.

[0054] In certain embodiments, the actuating means is a current distribution means, which is configured to communicate electrically with the disposable cartridge via first and second multiconnectors, when a flow control means that controls the fluid flow of the disposable cartridge is configured to communicate electrically with the actuating means via a first multiconnector.

[0055] In certain embodiments, the platform includes a storage module configured to be in fluid communication with a disposable cartridge and to maintain a predetermined temperature. In more specific embodiments, the storage module includes a second pre-chamber suitable for storing a second initial product. The second pre-chamber is configured to be in fluid communication with the disposable cartridge. In certain examples of cell culture, the culture medium can be stored in the second pre-chamber located within the storage module at a temperature lower than the internal temperature of the disposable cartridge.

[0056] In certain embodiments, if the disposable cartridge includes a pump for driving the inflow fluid, the platform further includes a pump motor configured to be connected to or coupled to a pump head located on the disposable cartridge. More specifically, the pump motor is actuated by a control unit of the platform.

[0057] In a third aspect of the present invention, the present invention provides a system for cell culture. The system includes the following: A disposable cartridge according to any embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention, and A platform according to any embodiment of the second aspect of the present invention.

[0058] The system is advantageous in terms of flexibility. This allows for the execution of different processes for processing and / or manipulating fluids by integrating disposable cartridges with the platform. In other words, depending on the process being performed, the disposable cartridges required for the desired process must be integrated with or connected to the platform. Furthermore, in some fluid processing processes, the process itself changes. For example, in order to be performed, the system requires that the consumable elements already initially contain special components that must be replaced, or that new components or the platform be incorporated into the consumable elements. Thus, changing the consumable elements and redesigning their components or platform components may be sufficient to continue working in a particular process.

[0059] The system is easy to install and use. This advantageously reduces poor connections between components. All that is required is to connect a disposable cartridge to the platform and start the process for handling and / or manipulating the fluid.

[0060] In other words, any necessary fluidic process can be controlled and executed on a single, identical platform. For example, it is not necessary to design an entire cell culture system or biological reaction system for a specific cell culture process; different types of cells can be cultured. Similarly, any type of cell can be cultured in any desired hydrodynamic configuration simply by changing the disposable cartridges coupled to the platform to work with it.

[0061] All features and / or steps of the methods described herein (including the claims, description and drawings) can be combined in any combination, except for any combination of mutually exclusive features. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0062] To better understand these and other features and advantages of the present invention, preferred embodiments given only by exemplary and non-limiting examples will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0063] [Figure 1A] This schematically illustrates a specific example of a flexible system according to the present invention.

[0064] [Figure 1B] This schematically illustrates a specific example of a flexible system according to the present invention.

[0065] [Figure 2] This shows a perspective view of a platform according to a specific example of the present invention.

[0066] [Figure 3A] This shows a perspective view of a housing structure for a disposable cartridge according to a specific example of the present invention.

[0067] [Figure 3B] This shows a rear view of the housing structure of a disposable cartridge according to a specific example of the present invention.

[0068] [Figure 4] This shows a perspective view of a flexible system in detail according to a specific example of the present invention.

[0069] [Figure 5] This shows a perspective view of a flexible system in detail according to another specific example of the present invention.

[0070] [Figure 6] This schematically shows a specific example of a cross-section of the flexible system according to the present invention.

[0071] [Figure 7] This schematically shows a specific example of a cross-section of the flexible system according to the present invention.

[0072] Detailed description of the present invention Figures 1 to 5 show a specific example of the present invention in which the flexible system (1) is a system for culturing cells. In this specific example, the chamber (4) is a biological reaction chamber. The fluid is a culture medium containing cells and / or a washing solution.

[0073] Figures 1A and 1B schematically show a system (1) for culturing cells. System (1) includes a collaborative platform (2) and a disposable cartridge (3).

[0074] More specifically, the disposable cartridge (3) shown in Figures 1A and 1B has a biological reaction chamber (4) for cell culture that is in fluid communication with a first pre-chamber (13) containing, for example, initial products such as culture medium or suspended cells. Furthermore, the chamber (4) is in fluid communication with a first reservoir (11) where desired final products, such as cells cultured in medium, are stored. Next, the biological reaction chamber (4) is in fluid communication with a residue container (10) where residual fluids from the biological reaction chamber (4), such as residual medium, are stored. More specifically, Figure 1B further shows a wash container (12) where wash solution or PBS is stored. In this particular example, the pre-chamber (13) has a first inlet (14) into which cells are introduced and a second inlet (15) into which culture medium is introduced (as shown in Figure 7). The second inlet (15) is in fluid communication with the second pre-chamber (16) located within the storage module (17) of the platform (2) (as shown in Figure 1B). Before introducing the culture medium from the second pre-chamber (16) into the first pre-chamber (13), it is passed through a heating means (20) that heats the medium, i.e., changes its temperature for introduction into the first pre-chamber (13) along with the initial cells. In Figures 1A and 1B, the chambers (4) and different containers or devices arranged in the illustrated system are in fluid communication with each other via a conduit network (5) formed by a plurality of tubes or conduits. Each of the flow control means for controlling the fluid flow is connected to the first multi-connector (9a) via a tube or conduit through which compressed air from an actuator (7) located on the platform (2) circulates. The flow control means for controlling the fluid flow is a combination of a valve (6) and pumps (30 and 37). In these specific examples, valve (6) is a pinch valve, and pumps (30 and 37) are peristaltic pumps that drive the fluid (30) and / or the micropump (6). In detail, the micropump (37) is part of a disposable cartridge and is in fluid communication with a first multiconnector (9a). The peristaltic pump (30) that drives the fluid is formed by a pump motor (36) located within a platform (2) (not shown), and a pump head (23) located within a disposable cartridge (3) (as shown in detail in Figure 5) and coupled to the pump motor (36).

[0075] A first multi-connector (9a) located on the disposable cartridge (3) is coupled to a second multi-connector (9b) located on the platform (2). The second multi-connector (9b) is connected to the actuation means (7) by a tube or conduit that circulates compressed air transmitted to the flow control means of the disposable cartridge (3).

[0076] The platform (2) shown in both Figures 1A and 1B further comprises a control unit (18) that controls a disposable cartridge (3), an operating means (7), and a storage module (17).

[0077] In a specific example of cell culture, the temperature of the storage module (17) is 4°C, while the temperature of the housing structure (21) containing the disposable cartridge (3) is 37°C.

[0078] More specifically, the flexible system (1) shown in Figure 1B further comprises two sensors (26) positioned within the conduit network (5). The sensors (26) are configured to detect properties of interest of the fluid circulating in the conduit network (5).

[0079] Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the platform (2) of a cell culture system (1), but does not show any of the components of the disposable cartridge (3). As seen in the figure, the platform (2) includes a storage module (17) located at one end of the platform (2). The storage module (17) is understood to be a refrigerator, as it stores, for example, culture medium, washing solution, or other fluids in it at a specific temperature. This specific temperature is preferably lower than the temperature of the disposable cartridge (3), or the structure or compartment to which the disposable cartridge (3) is fixed on the platform (2).

[0080] The platform (2) further has a first compartment (28) at the other end, configured to house a disposable cartridge (3). The platform (2) also includes a second compartment (24) below the first compartment (28), suitable for housing a first reservoir (11), a residue container (10), and a heating means (20). The first compartment (28) of the platform (2) includes a male structure (22) to which the housing structure (21) of the disposable cartridge (3) is fixed via its female structure (8) (fixing means). Furthermore, the first compartment (28) of the platform (2) includes a fixing structure (19) to which the motor (36) (not shown) of the peristaltic pump (30) is located, to which the head (23) of the peristaltic pump (30) of the disposable cartridge (3) is coupled or fixed (see in detail in Figure 5). The first compartment (28) further includes an actuation means (7) (not shown) that fluidly communicates with a flow control means of a disposable cartridge (3) via a first multi-connector (9a) (not shown) and a second multi-connector (9b). In this particular example, the platform (2) has two second multi-connectors (9b).

[0081] The first compartment (28) of platform (2) has a first door (29) that closes the first compartment (28). Next, the second compartment (24) has a second door (31) that closes the second compartment (24). Thus, each compartment (24 and 28) can be accessed independently of each other. This advantageously allows for the extraction of, for example, the final product from the reservoir (11) or the residue stored in the residue container (10) without interfering with the first compartment (28). In particular, the first door (29) of the first compartment (28) has a first window (32) that allows the inside of the compartment to be viewed during the cell culture process.

[0082] Similarly, platform (2) has a control unit (18) positioned between the storage module (17) and the first compartment (28). The control unit (18) includes a display (33) that shows information about the storage module (17) and the first compartment (28), as well as information about cell culture.

[0083] In a specific example, the platform includes a storage module (17), a control unit (18), and several first compartments (28) and second compartments (24). Thus, different cell culture processes can be carried out simultaneously, all of which are controlled by the control unit (18).

[0084] Figures 3A and 3B show a housing structure (21) of a disposable cartridge (3) containing a chamber (4) among other components (not shown). Figure 3A shows a perspective view of the housing structure (21). As can be observed in more detail from here, the structure includes a series of holes (34). These allow for different connections and / or communication between the disposable cartridge (3) and the platform (2), and the actual components integrated into the disposable cartridge (3). The housing structure (21) includes a first part in which the holes (34) are located, and a second part understood as a cover of the housing structure (21). The cover or second part of the housing structure has a second window (35) that penetrates the interior of the housing structure (21). Thus, the integrated elements can be seen therein. Furthermore, the second part or cover of the housing structure (21) has closing means through which the second part closes and / or fits together with the first part, so that the housing structure (21) appears as a closed structure or compartment. Figure 3B shows a rear view of the housing structure (21), particularly of the first part of the structure. Therein, a female structure (8) (fixing means) can be seen, which is configured to be coupled to and / or fixed to the male structure (22) of the platform (2).

[0085] Figures 4 and 5 show perspective views of the compartments (24 and 28) of the platform (2) and a disposable cartridge (3) fixed to the platform (2). The way in which the housing structure (21) is coupled to the platform (2) in the first compartment (28) can be seen in both drawings. In addition to the two heads (23) of the peristaltic pump (30) coupled to the pump motor (36) located on the fixing structure (19) of the platform (2), the first compartment (28) also shows two second multiconnectors (9b) arranged one by one. These drawings further show the second compartment (24) in which the first reservoir (11), the residue container (10), and the heating means (20) are located. The second compartment (24) has through grooves (27) through which pipes and / or conduits, which are part of the conduit network (5), pass. The tubes and / or conduits provide fluid communication with a disposable cartridge (3) via heating means (20) through a second pre-chamber (16) located within a storage module (17) (not shown). Furthermore, as shown in both Figures 4 and 5, two sterile connectors (25), which are part of the disposable cartridge (3) and suitable for maintaining fluid communication along the conduit network (5) in the system (1), are connected to the first compartment (28).

[0086] Figure 5 shows the same perspective view as Figure 4, but illustrates different connections and / or communications between components integrated into compartments (24 and 28). Two heads (23) of a peristaltic pump (30) for a disposable cartridge (3) coupled to a fixed structure (19) of a platform (2) on which a pump motor is located are visible in Figure 5. These pump heads (23) are in fluid communication with the interior of the housing structure (21) via a conduit network (5) through holes (34). In particular, it can be seen how each pump head (23) has a conduit inlet and conduit outlet of the conduit network (5) for the disposable cartridge (3). Figure 5 further illustrates how a second multiconnector (9b) is coupled to two first multiconnectors (9a), and how these multiconnectors are in fluid communication with the interior of the housing structure (21) via a series of tubes and / or conduits through which compressed air from the operating means (7) circulates. In this particular example, the operating means (7) is, for example, a compressed air distribution means such as a compressed air distribution rack.

[0087] Figure 5 also shows how both the residue container (10) and the reservoir (11) communicate fluidly with the interior of the housing structure (21) independently of each other through a conduit network (5) via holes (34). These conduits (5) that connect the containers (10 and 11) to the interior of the housing structure must be sterile. Therefore, there are sterile connectors (25) connected to each conduit (5) to maintain the sterile state of the communication.

[0088] Similarly, Figure 5 shows how the heating means (20) is in fluid communication with the inside of the housing structure (21) through the conduit network (5) via the holes (34) (shown in Figure 3A).

[0089] Figures 6 and 7 schematically show the first ante chamber (13), which has a first inlet (14) into which initial cells are introduced, and a second inlet (15) into which culture medium is introduced. Furthermore, the figures show how the first ante chamber (13) is connected to the chamber (4) via a conduit network (5), in particular how it is connected to the chamber (4) via tubes / conduits where pinch valves (6) are located to regulate the passage of cells suspended in the culture medium into the chamber (4).

[0090] Figure 7 further illustrates how the second inlet (15) is connected to a second pre-chamber (16) located within a storage module (17) on the platform (2). The second pre-chamber (16) contains culture medium under specific temperature conditions. The connection between the second inlet (15) and the second pre-chamber (16) is made via a conduit network (5), specifically via tubes / conduits where pinch valves (6) are positioned to restrict the passage of culture medium to the second inlet (15).

[0091] Embodiment 1 In a preferred exemplary embodiment, At least one chamber (4) suitable for storing and / or processing the fluid inside, A conduit network (5) configured to circulate the fluid inside and to communicate fluidly with the interior of at least one chamber (4), and Flow rate control means for controlling the fluid flow circulating in the conduit network (5) and connected to the operating means (7) of the platform (2) via the first multi-connector (9a) A disposable cartridge (3) that cooperates with a platform (2) in a flexible system (1) for processing and / or manipulating a fluid, preferably a cell culture, characterized by comprising the above.

[0092] Embodiment 2 A disposable cartridge (3) according to Embodiment 1, characterized in that a flow rate control means for controlling the flow of fluid is configured to be connected to the operating means (7) of the platform (2) via the first multi-connector (9a) in fluid communication.

[0093] Embodiment 3 A disposable cartridge (3) according to Embodiment 1, characterized in that a flow rate control means for controlling the flow of fluid is configured to be electrically connected to the operating means (7) of the platform (2) via the first multi-connector (9a).

[0094] Embodiment 4 A disposable cartridge (3) according to any one of the embodiments, comprising a plurality of containers connected to the conduit network (5) suitable for containing a fluid, and configured to communicate fluidly with each other and / or with the inside of at least one chamber (4).

[0095] Embodiment 5 A disposable cartridge (3) according to any one of the embodiments, characterized in that the at least one chamber (4) is configured to receive at least a first initial product from the first pre-chamber (13) via the conduit network (5).

[0096] Embodiment 6 The disposable cartridge (3) according to Embodiment 5, characterized in that at least one chamber (4) is configured to receive a second initial product from a second pre-chamber (16) via the conduit network (5), preferably through the first pre-chamber (13).

[0097] Embodiment 7 A disposable cartridge (3) according to any one of Embodiments 5 or 6, characterized in that it includes at least a first pre-chamber (13) suitable for storing at least a first initial product and having a first inlet (14) for introducing the first initial product into it.

[0098] Embodiment 8 The disposable cartridge (3) according to embodiments 6 and 7, characterized in that the first pre-chamber (13) includes a second inlet (15) for introducing a second initial product from the second pre-chamber (16).

[0099] Embodiment 9 A disposable cartridge (3) according to any one of embodiments 7 to 8, characterized by including a adjusting means (20) configured to adjust at least one of the initial products before being introduced into the at least one chamber (4).

[0100] Embodiment 10 A disposable cartridge (3) according to any one of the embodiments, characterized in that it includes means for driving the circulation of a fluid contained in at least one chamber (4) via the conduit network (5).

[0101] Embodiment 11 Actuator (7) configured to act on a flow rate control means to control the fluid flow of the disposable cartridge (3), A second multi-connector (9b) configured to connect the first multi-connector (9a) of the disposable cartridge (3) to the operating means (7), and A control unit (18) configured to control the operation of the operating means (7) and the disposable cartridge (3). A flexible system (1) for processing and / or manipulating a fluid, preferably a cell culture, comprising a platform (2) for cooperating with a disposable cartridge (3) according to any one of embodiments 1 to 10.

[0102] Embodiment 12 The platform (2) according to Embodiment 11, characterized in that the operating means (7) is a gas distribution means and is configured to communicate fluidly with the disposable cartridge (3) via the first multi-connector (9a) and the second multi-connector (9b) when the disposable cartridge (3) is the one described in Embodiment 2.

[0103] Embodiment 13 The platform (2) according to Embodiment 11, characterized in that the operating means (7) is a current distribution means and is configured to communicate electrically with the disposable cartridge (3) via the first multi-connector (9a) and the second multi-connector (9b) when the disposable cartridge (3) is the one described in Embodiment 3.

[0104] Embodiment 14 A platform (2) according to any one of embodiments 11 to 13, characterized in that it includes a storage module (17) configured to be in fluid communication with the disposable cartridge (3) and to maintain a predetermined temperature.

[0105] Embodiment 15 A disposable cartridge (3) according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 10, and Platform (2) as described in any one of Embodiments 11 to 14 A flexible system (1) for processing and / or manipulating fluids, preferably cell cultures, including a fluid.

Claims

1. At least one biological reaction chamber (4) suitable for storing and / or processing the fluid inside, A conduit network (5) configured to circulate the fluid inside and to communicate with the interior of at least one biological reaction chamber (4), and Flow rate control means for controlling the fluid flow circulating in the conduit network (5) and connected to the operating means (7) of the platform (2) via the first multi-connector (9a) A disposable cartridge (3) for working with a platform (2) in a system (1) for cell culture, characterized by including, Herein, a disposable cartridge (3) contains a fluid circulated within the conduit network (5) and a fluid stored and / or processed within the biological reaction chamber (4), which is a culture medium, liquid culture medium, cells, or any combination thereof.

2. A disposable cartridge (3) according to claim 1, characterized in that a flow rate control means for controlling the flow of fluid is configured to be connected in fluid communication with the operating means (7) of the platform (2) via the first multi-connector (9a).

3. A disposable cartridge (3) according to claim 1, characterized in that a flow rate control means for controlling the flow of fluid is configured to be electrically connected to the operating means (7) of the platform (2) via the first multi-connector (9a).

4. A disposable cartridge (3) according to any one of the claims, comprising a plurality of containers connected to the conduit network (5) suitable for containing a fluid, and configured to be in fluid communication with each other and / or with the inside of the at least one biological reaction chamber (4).

5. A disposable cartridge (3) according to any one of the claims, characterized in that the at least one biological reaction chamber (4) is configured to receive at least a first initial product from a first pre-chamber (13) via the conduit network (5).

6. The disposable cartridge (3) according to claim 5, characterized in that the at least one biological reaction chamber (4) is configured to receive a second initial product from a second pre-chamber (16), preferably via the first pre-chamber (13), through the conduit network (5).

7. A disposable cartridge (3) according to any one of claims 5 or 6, characterized in that it includes at least a first pre-chamber (13) suitable for storing at least a first initial product and having a first inlet (14) for introducing the first initial product into it.

8. The disposable cartridge (3) according to claims 6 and 7, characterized in that the first pre-chamber (13) has a second inlet (15) for introducing a second initial product from the second pre-chamber (16).

9. A disposable cartridge (3) according to any one of claims 7 to 8, comprising a conditioning means (20) configured to adjust at least one of the initial products before being introduced into the at least one biological chamber (4).

10. A disposable cartridge (3) according to any one of the claims, characterized in that it includes means for driving the circulation of a fluid contained in the at least one biological reaction chamber (4) via the conduit network (5).

11. Actuator (7) configured to act on a flow rate control means to control the fluid flow of the disposable cartridge (3), A second multi-connector (9b) configured to connect the first multi-connector (9a) of the disposable cartridge (3) to the operating means (7), and A control unit (18) configured to control the operation of the operating means (7) and the disposable cartridge (3). A system (1) for cell culture, comprising a platform (2) for working with a disposable cartridge (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. The operating means (7) is a gas distribution means and is configured to communicate fluidly with the disposable cartridge (3) via the first multi-connector (9a) and the second multi-connector (9b) when the disposable cartridge (3) is the one described in claim 2. The platform (2) according to claim 11.

13. The platform (2) according to claim 11, characterized in that the operating means (7) is a current distribution means and is configured to communicate electrically with the disposable cartridge (3) via the first multi-connector (9a) and the second multi-connector (9b) when the disposable cartridge (3) is the one described in claim 3.

14. The platform (2) according to any one of claims 11 to 13, characterized in that it includes a storage module (17) configured to be in fluid communication with the disposable cartridge (3) and to maintain a predetermined temperature.

15. A disposable cartridge (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, and Platform (2) according to any one of claims 11 to 14 A system for cell culture, including (1).

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