Cell treatment method and cell treatment device

Abstract

A cell treatment system comprising: a liquid transfer unit for transferring a cell suspension from a first retention unit to a third retention unit via a branched connector, and transferring a cell treatment solution from a second retention unit to the third retention unit via the branched connector; and a transfer control unit for controlling the transfer of the cell suspension and the cell treatment solution by the liquid transfer unit so that the cell suspension and the cell treatment solution are combined at a prescribed ratio in the branched connector.

Description

Cell processing method and cell processing device

[0001] The present invention relates to a cell processing method and a cell processing device.

[0002] In the cell culture process, cells are sometimes mixed with a cell processing liquid and then processed. For example, when cells are collected and cryopreserved, a cell freezing liquid is mixed with the cells and then the cells are frozen to improve cell survival rate during freezing and thawing. Furthermore, when performing "electroporation," which applies a high voltage to the cell membrane to temporarily create holes in the cell membrane and introduce polymers such as DNA into the cells, a liquid containing the polymer to be introduced is mixed with a cell suspension, and a high voltage is applied to the mixture.

[0003] In addition, many automated cell culture systems have been developed, and in order to carry out such cell processing under sterile conditions, systems have been developed that automatically mix cell suspensions and cell processing solutions in a closed space.

[0004] Patent Document 1 describes a system for introducing polynucleotides into cells, in which a cell suspension and a solution containing polynucleotides are automatically delivered into a chamber equipped with electrodes, and electroporation is performed on the mixed cell suspension treatment solution in the chamber.

[0005] Special Publication No. 2013-531975

[0006] In the system described in Patent Document 1, a cell suspension and a cell treatment solution are injected into a chamber through separate inlets and mixed within the chamber. However, when the two types of liquids meet within the chamber, they can entrain air within the chamber, potentially generating bubbles. Because bubbles can damage cells, it is preferable to suppress their generation.

[0007] The present inventors also discovered a problem when using two types of liquids: a cell suspension and a cell treatment solution. Specifically, some cell treatment solutions can damage cells if the appropriate amount is not mixed relative to the cell mass. When the cell treatment solution is a cryopreservation solution, a high concentration of the cryopreservation solution can damage cells. On the other hand, one method to prevent the cryopreservation solution from becoming too concentrated is to first inject the cell suspension into the chamber, followed by the cryopreservation solution. However, this method requires a long mixing process, which can damage cells during this process.

[0008] Based on the above, the inventors of the present application have discovered the problem that when mixing a cell suspension with a cell treatment solution (e.g., a cryopreservation solution), a method is needed to reduce damage to cells by adjusting the mixing concentrations to a predetermined ratio.

[0009] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a cell processing system that mixes a cell suspension and a cell processing solution for processing the cells while reducing damage to the cells.

[0010] The cell treatment system of the present invention comprises a first reservoir for storing a cell suspension, a second reservoir for storing a cell treatment solution for treating the cell suspension, a branch joint having a first port, a second port, and a third port, a third reservoir, a first flow path connecting the first reservoir and the first port, a second flow path connecting the second reservoir and the second port, a third flow path connecting the third port and the third reservoir, a liquid transfer unit for transferring the cell suspension from the first reservoir to the third reservoir via the branch joint and the cell treatment solution from the second reservoir to the third reservoir via the branch joint, and a transfer control unit for controlling the transfer of the cell suspension and the cell treatment solution by the liquid transfer unit so that the cell suspension and the cell treatment solution merge at a predetermined ratio at the branch joint.

[0011] The cell processing method of the present invention includes a step of merging a cell suspension stored in a first storage section and a cell processing solution for processing the cell suspension stored in a second storage section at a predetermined ratio at a branch joint, and a step of moving the liquid containing the merged cell suspension and cell processing solution to a third storage section.

[0012] According to the cell treatment system of the present invention, when a cell suspension and a cell treatment solution are mixed, the generation of bubbles can be reduced and damage to cells can be reduced.

[0013] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a cell treatment system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the structure of a branch joint according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the structure of a branch joint according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the structure of a branch joint according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the structure of a branch joint according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which multiple types of liquids to be mixed do not arrive at the branch joint at the same time according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which multiple types of liquids to be mixed do not arrive at the branch joint at the same time according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing stirring of liquid stored in a third reservoir according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing stirring of liquid stored in a third reservoir according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing stirring of liquid stored in a third reservoir according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing another example of a cell treatment system according to the present invention. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a cell treatment method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] A cell processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0015] (Embodiment 1: Cell Processing System) The configuration of a cell processing system according to embodiment 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0016] In FIG. 1 , 001 denotes a first reservoir in which a cell suspension, in which floating cells or detached adherent cells are suspended in a buffer such as a culture medium, is stored. 002 denotes a second reservoir in which a cell treatment solution for treating the cells contained in the cell suspension is stored. 005 denotes a first flow path through which the cell suspension stored in the first reservoir passes, and 006 denotes a second flow path through which the cell treatment solution stored in the second reservoir passes. 003 denotes a branch joint including a first port (003-1), a second port (003-2), and a third port (003-3). The first port 003-1 is connected to the first flow path 005, and the second port 003-2 is connected to the second flow path, and the cell suspension and the cell treatment solution merge at the branch joint. 007 denotes a third flow path through which the liquid merged at the branch joint passes and moves to a third reservoir 004. Each of these reservoirs and flow paths preferably constitutes a closed system, preventing the intrusion of foreign matter from the outside. 008 denotes a liquid transfer unit that transfers the cell suspension from the first reservoir 001 to the third reservoir 004 via the branch joint 003, and transfers the cell treatment solution from the second reservoir 002 to the third reservoir 004 via the branch joint 003. 009 denotes a transfer control unit 009 that controls the flow rate and flow velocity of the transferred liquid by controlling the liquid transfer unit. The transfer control unit 009 controls the transfer of the cell suspension and the cell treatment solution by the liquid transfer unit 008 so that the cell suspension and the cell treatment solution merge at the branch joint 003 at a predetermined ratio. Here, the predetermined ratio is a range necessary for processing the cells contained in the cell suspension and must be a range that minimizes damage to the cells. For example, when the cell treatment solution is a cell freezing solution (DMSO), the ratio of the amount of cell suspension to the amount of cell treatment solution can be within a range of 8.5:1.5 to 9.5:0.5, preferably 9:1.

[0017] Also, 010 denotes a first stirring unit that stirs the liquid containing the cell suspension and the cell treatment liquid that have moved to the third reservoir 004 to obtain a mixture of both liquids.

[0018] In addition, a second stirring unit for stirring the cell suspension stored in the first reservoir 001 may be provided.

[0019] Furthermore, the liquid supply device may have a cooling section that cools at least one of the first reservoir and the second reservoir.

[0020] As described above, the cell processing system according to this embodiment is configured to merge the cell suspension and cell treatment solution at a predetermined ratio at the branch joint and then transfer both liquids to the third storage unit 004. The predetermined ratio is within a range necessary for processing the cells contained in the cell suspension, and is within a range that causes minimal damage to the cells, thereby reducing damage to the cells. Furthermore, because the cell suspension and cell treatment solution are moved together, they can be moved in a short time, and a mixed solution can be obtained in a short time. Furthermore, because the cell suspension and cell treatment solution merge at the branch joint, the generation of bubbles is reduced.

[0021] (First storage section, second storage section, third storage section) The first storage section 001, second storage section 002, and third storage section 004 store cell suspensions, cell treatment liquids, or mixtures thereof. Containers made of resin, glass, etc. can be used for the storage sections, but flexible, transparent resin bags are preferable. In the case of flexible bags, the liquid inside can be mixed by applying pressure from the outside. Furthermore, resin bags are light and strong, making them easy to carry. Materials that can be used include PVC (polyvinyl chloride), etc.

[0022] (First flow path, second flow path, third flow path) The first flow path 005, second flow path 006, and third flow path 007 are flow paths that connect the above-mentioned storage sections. Transparent resin, glass, and metal, which are easy to process, can be used as materials for the flow paths, but a resin tube is preferred because it is light, flexible, and easily deformed. Furthermore, a transparent material is preferred because it allows the passage position of the liquid inside the flow path and the presence of air bubbles to be confirmed. In this embodiment, PVC, silicone, etc. can be used for the flow paths.

[0023] (Branch Joint) 003 is a branch joint having three ports: a first port (003-1), a second port (003-2), and a third port (003-3), each connected to a first flow path, a second flow path, and a third flow path (FIGS. 2A to 2D). By restricting the ports in this way, when liquid is simultaneously flowed from the first flow path and the second flow path, the air layer in the flow path and the branch joint can be expelled to the third flow path. By eliminating the air layer in the branch joint, the liquids flowing from the first flow path and the second flow path can be merged and flowed into the third flow path without generating bubbles. By sending bubble-free merged liquid only from the third flow path to the third storage section, air bubbles generated in the third storage section can be reduced.

[0024] The branch joint in this embodiment has a structure in which the first port, the second port, and the third port are arranged in a T-shape or a Y-shape. For example, as shown in Figures 2A, 2B, and 2C, a configuration in which the ends of three pipes are joined at one point is preferred. In this configuration, an air layer, which is a cause of bubble formation, is less likely to remain within the branch joint when liquid flows. Alternatively, a configuration in which three ports are located in a relatively large closed space in the center, as shown in Figure 2D, is also acceptable. However, when using a branch joint shaped like Figure 2D, if the air layer is not carefully pushed out when the liquid is first passed through, an air layer will remain in the center. This air layer is the cause of bubble formation. Therefore, when using a branch joint like Figure 2D, careful liquid delivery is required. Therefore, configurations like those shown in Figures 2A, 2B, and 2C are preferred. Furthermore, when a cell suspension enters through the first port and exits through the third port, it is preferable to minimize changes in the flow direction of the cell suspension to reduce cell damage, and branch joints like those shown in Figures 2A and 2B are preferred.

[0025] The branch joint is preferably made of a material that is relatively strong and can withstand various sterilization processes, such as resin, glass, or metal. Transparent materials are also preferred, allowing the amount of air remaining in the branch joint to be visually confirmed. If air remains, it is easy to change the liquid delivery method or apply external force to remove the air bubbles. Preferred materials include PP (polypropylene) and PVDF (polyvinylidene fluoride).

[0026] (Liquid Transfer Unit) 008 is a liquid transfer unit that transfers liquid from the first and second storage units to the third storage unit, and typically includes an actuator that generates a force to transfer the liquid. When the actuator applies force to the aforementioned flow path to handle the cell suspension, the introduction of foreign matter from the outside is undesirable, so a configuration in which the liquid does not directly contact the actuator is preferred. Here, if the aforementioned flow path is a tube pump, the liquid transfer unit can move the liquid inside the tube pump by squeezing the tube pump. Furthermore, even in the case of less flexible materials (such as resin pipes, glass tubes, or metal pipes), liquid can be transferred by increasing the pressure in the first and second storage units. Therefore, the liquid transfer unit may be configured to increase the pressure in the first and second storage units. Examples of actuators that increase the pressure in the storage units include a pump that blows air from which foreign matter has been removed using a filter, and a mechanism that pressurizes the storage unit if the storage unit is a deformable bag.

[0027] Although the above example is an example of a liquid transfer unit that transfers liquid without directly contacting the cell suspension, a normal liquid transfer pump can also be used. In this case, reusing the liquid transfer unit is not desirable from the viewpoint of reducing contamination, so it is preferable that the part where the liquid transfer unit comes into contact with the liquid is disposable.

[0028] (Movement Control Unit) In this embodiment, the drive of the liquid movement unit is controlled by the movement control unit, which controls the liquid transfer speed to each of the first storage unit and the second storage unit. The amount of control is determined by the mixture ratio of the two liquids. For example, if the first flow path and the second flow path are tubes made of the same material and with the same inner diameter, and the two liquids are mixed at a mixture ratio of 2:1, the flow path control function can be used to set the liquid transfer speed of the two liquids to 2:1, thereby achieving the predetermined mixture ratio.

[0029] When a liquid transfer section is provided in each of the first and second flow paths, it is easy to control the flow rate and speed of the liquid. However, if the properties (viscosity, etc.) of the liquid in the first and second reservoirs are known, and the inner diameters of the first and second flow paths are appropriately specified, the cell suspension and the cell treatment solution can be merged at a predetermined ratio at the branch joint even if a liquid transfer section is provided only in the third flow path.

[0030] (Stirring section) The stirring section is preferably a stirring section that stirs the mixed liquid stored in the third storage section 01 without directly contacting it. For example, a shaker that shakes the third storage section can be used. Furthermore, if the third storage section is deformable like a vinyl bag, it is also effective to stir the mixed liquid in the third storage section by applying pressure from the outside to deform the third storage section.

[0031] By using the above-described system, the cell suspension and the cell treatment liquid can be mixed in a short time while suppressing the generation of bubbles, thereby providing a system that mixes the cell suspension and the liquid for treating the cells while suppressing damage to the cells.

[0032] [Example 1 of Cell Processing System] An example of the configuration of a cell processing system according to the first embodiment will be described below. In the drawings, the same components are generally designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0033] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the system of this embodiment. The first, second, and third reservoirs 001, 002, and 004 use PVC bags with silicone tubes for liquid in and out. A sterile connector is attached to the end of the silicone tube, which has been sterilized by gamma radiation. Prior to use, the first and second reservoirs must be filled with a cell suspension to be treated and a liquid for treating the cells. A cell suspension containing MSC cells and DMSO for freezing the MSC cells are each filled in a clean space, such as a safety cabinet.

[0034] The first flow path 005, the second flow path 006, and the third flow path 007 are each made of transparent silicone tubing of the same material and inner diameter. A Y-shaped branch joint like that shown in Figure 2A is used as the branch joint 003, and the above-mentioned silicone tubing is attached to each port. The branch joint is made of transparent PP (polypropylene). A sterile connector is installed at the end of each flow path that is not connected to the branch joint. This sterile connector is selected to be paired with the connector installed at the end of the silicone tubing attached to each reservoir. A third flow path and a third reservoir that are pre-connected may also be used. It is also effective to aseptically connect flow paths of the same diameter using a commercially available sterile connector without using a sterile connector. However, the flow paths must be made of thermoplastic resin tubing rather than silicone tubing, and the tube ends at the connection points must be sealed in advance. The circuit connecting the branch joint and each flow path is also pre-sterilized by gamma radiation.

[0035] A tube pump is used for the liquid transfer section. In this example, two tube pumps are installed in the first and second flow paths. The operation of the tube pumps is controlled by a programmable logic controller (PLC), which serves as the liquid control section. Note that if the installation state of the tube pump relative to the first and second flow paths is unstable, the liquid transfer rate may change. To improve the accuracy of the liquid transfer rate from the tube pump, it is preferable to install sensors that measure the flow rate in the first and second flow paths and feed the flow rate back to the PLC to adjust the speed of the tube pump to achieve a predetermined flow rate. In this example, ultrasonic flow meters are installed externally on the silicone tubes that form the first and second flow paths.

[0036] It is preferable that the timing of the arrival of the two liquids at the branch joint 003 be approximately simultaneous. Here, we will explain why bubbles occur due to differences in the timing of the delivery of the two liquids to be mixed to the branch joint ( FIGS. 3A and 3B ). FIG. 3A shows the state in which the cell suspension 011 arrives at the branch joint first. At this time, an air layer 013 is trapped between the cell suspension 011 and the cell treatment liquid 012. FIG. 3B shows the state of the liquid delivery thereafter, in which fine air layers are periodically formed within the cell suspension and move to the third storage section. These fine air layers are the cause of air bubbles. This phenomenon continues until the cell treatment liquid reaches the branch joint, so it is preferable that the cell suspension and the cell treatment liquid arrive at the branch joint simultaneously.

[0037] In this embodiment, both the first and second flow paths are transparent, allowing the tube pumps to be driven while visually checking the flow of the cell suspension and cell treatment solution until they reach the branch joint, thereby suppressing the generation of bubbles. Here, "transparent" means that the transmittance is 90% when irradiated with light having a wavelength in the range of 400 nm to 600 nm. It is also effective to capture images of the flow paths with a camera or attach bubble sensors to the first and second flow paths to detect the presence or absence of bubbles, thereby determining the liquid arrival positions, and then controlling the liquid control unit to automatically deliver the two types of liquids to the branch joint. For these reasons, optically transparent tubes are preferred for the flow paths.

[0038] The mixture of the two liquids merged at the branch joint is injected into the third reservoir. The degree of mixing of the two liquids within the third reservoir varies depending on the type of liquid, the inner diameter of the third reservoir, and the liquid delivery speed. However, it is possible that the mixture is not yet fully mixed within the reservoir. Therefore, it is preferable to use the agitation function of 010 to completely mix the two liquids within the third reservoir. Figures 4A to 4E illustrate the agitation function in this example. Figures 4A and 4B are front and side views of the bag (third reservoir) placed on the bag placement table 014, showing the initial injection of the mixed liquid 015. Figures 4C and 4D are front and side views showing the state after injection. By placing the third reservoir below the third reservoir, the air layer and the mixed liquid are separated into the upper and lower portions of the third reservoir. As shown in Figure 4E, a pressure unit 016 is installed on the side of the bag, periodically applying pressure from the side of the bag (third reservoir), stirring the mixed liquid inside until it becomes uniform. In this mechanism, the gas layer and the mixed liquid are separated into upper and lower layers, so by pressurizing the lower mixed liquid section, it is possible to agitate the mixed liquid while suppressing the generation of bubbles.

[0039] The bag mounting stand is equipped with a cooling function, allowing the mixed liquid to be cooled. In this example, a Peltier element is used. Cooling the mixed liquid can reduce cell damage during stirring. Furthermore, by equipping the mounting stand as shown in Figures 4A to 4E with a cooling mechanism, heat can be absorbed over a wider area of ​​the bag, and by applying pressure, the set area can be increased, allowing the cell suspension to be cooled more efficiently. A material with high thermal conductivity is preferable for the bag mounting stand, and metals such as stainless steel and aluminum are suitable. Furthermore, a weight sensor is installed on the bag mounting stand to detect the amount of mixed liquid.

[0040] [Example 2 of Cell Processing System] Another example of the configuration of a cell processing system will be described below using Figure 5. In the figure, identical components are generally designated by the same reference numerals, and their description will be omitted. Figure 5 shows a cell processing system in which a dispensing unit (dispensing circuit unit) 020 is added to the third storage unit of the cell processing system shown in Figure 1, and a dispensing system is added that transfers the mixed cell liquid to multiple containers (dispensing containers).

[0041] The dispensing circuit section consists of a container (dispensing container) 018 that dispenses the mixed liquid, a dispensing flow path 019 through which the mixed liquid passes to the dispensing container, and a dispensing liquid delivery section 017 that moves the liquid from the third storage section to the dispensing container.

[0042] The dispensing container is a container made of resin, with PVC tubing extending from the liquid inlet. The same number of dispensing containers as needed are prepared, and the PVC tubing from the dispensing container is connected to a branch joint of the dispensing flow path, which is made of silicone tubing and a polypropylene branch joint, to create a dispensing circuit. The silicone tubing of the dispensing flow path is attached to a tube pump, which is the dispensing and sending unit.

[0043] In the third reservoir, a liquid containing DMSO and a cell suspension containing MSC cells is stirred and maintained in a cooled state at around 4° C. The mixture maintained in this state is transferred to each dispensing container by a tube pump in the dispensing and delivery unit.

[0044] Cells have a high specific gravity, and when a liquid containing cells is left to stand, the cells settle. The agitation unit 010 has the effect of more uniformly distributing the cells present in the mixed liquid in the third reservoir, and by distributing the mixed liquid evenly to each dispensing container, the number of cells moving into each dispensing container tends to be uniform. In this embodiment, the agitation unit employs a pressurizing unit 016 as shown in FIG. 4E. However, it is also effective to use the liquid transfer unit 010 or the dispensing and sending unit 017 to agitate the mixed liquid by feeding it into and out of the third reservoir.

[0045] As described above, this embodiment can provide a system that can mix a cell suspension and a cell treatment solution in a short time while suppressing the generation of bubbles, and can dispense cells more uniformly into a dispensing container using the mixed solution.

[0046] [Embodiment 2: Cell Treatment Method] The cell treatment method according to this embodiment includes at least the following steps: (1) a step of merging a cell suspension stored in a first reservoir and a cell treatment solution for treating the cell suspension stored in a second reservoir at a predetermined ratio at a branch joint, and (2) a step of transferring a liquid containing the merged cell suspension and cell treatment solution to a third reservoir.

[0047] An example of the cell treatment method according to this embodiment will be described below.

[0048] (Mixing Process - Preparation) The procedure for mixing the two liquids will be described.

[0049] First, prepare a vinyl bag as the first reservoir containing the injected and sealed MSC cell suspension and a vinyl bag as the second reservoir containing DMSO in a clean area such as a safety cabinet. A resin circuit consisting of the first, second, and third flow paths, a branching joint, and the third reservoir is installed in the mixing system. During installation, connect the silicone tubes of the first and second flow paths to a tube pump, and place the vinyl bag as the third reservoir on the bag installation stand.

[0050] The first reservoir and the first flow path, and the second reservoir and the second flow path are aseptically connected. After the aseptic connection, the tube pump is used to pump the cells at a low speed until the cell suspension and cell treatment solution can be visually confirmed to have reached the point just before the branch joint. The Peltier element of the bag installation stand is driven and set so that the temperature inside the bag can be maintained at approximately 4°C. This completes the preparation process carried out in this example.

[0051] This mixing system also includes mechanisms for adding an agitation function to the first storage unit and a cooling function to the first and second storage units, allowing it to be used depending on the type and volume of cells and processing solution. Cells have a high specific gravity, and if the cell suspension is left standing, they will settle. Therefore, without agitation, the number of cells in the cell suspension being delivered will vary. By providing an agitation function in the first storage unit, the variation in the number of cells in the cell suspension being delivered can be reduced, allowing the processing solution and cells to be mixed at an appropriate ratio. Similar to the agitation function 010 in the third storage unit setting, this agitation function is preferably a system that applies an external force to the first storage unit without directly contacting the cell suspension. Furthermore, providing a cooling function in the first and second storage units can reduce damage to cells until preparation for the mixing process is complete, and also suppress temperature increases (a cause of cell damage) caused by mixing the cell processing solutions.

[0052] (Mixing Step - Mixing) When mixing starts, the tube pump is driven at a speed previously set by the PLC.

[0053] The mixed liquid that joins at the branch joint is injected into the bag, which is the third storage section. The PLC determines that the mixed liquid has reached a preset weight using a key sensor on the bag installation stand, and the PLC issues a command to the pressurizing section to start operating. This timing corresponds to the state in which the pressurizing section can pressurize only the mixed liquid section at the bottom of the bag, and by pressurizing only the mixed liquid section, the air layer and mixed liquid are agitated, preventing the generation of bubbles.

[0054] As described above, this embodiment can provide a system that can mix a cell suspension and a cell treatment liquid in a short time while suppressing the generation of bubbles.

[0055] In this example, MSC cells were used as the cell suspension and DMSO was used as the cell treatment solution, but other cells can also be used. In this case, the type of cell treatment solution and the delivery speed of each tube pump can be changed appropriately depending on the characteristics of each cell and the type of cell treatment solution.

[0056] Embodiments of the present disclosure include the following methods and compositions.

[0057] a second reservoir for storing a cell suspension; a branch joint having a first port, a second port, and a third port; a third reservoir; a first flow path connecting the first reservoir and the first port; a second flow path connecting the second reservoir and the second port; a third flow path connecting the third port and the third reservoir; a liquid transfer unit that transfers the cell suspension from the first reservoir to the third reservoir via the branch joint, and transfers the cell treatment solution from the second reservoir to the third reservoir via the branch joint; and a transfer control unit that controls the transfer of the cell suspension and the cell treatment solution by the liquid transfer unit so that the cell suspension and the cell treatment solution meet at the branch joint at a predetermined ratio.

[0058] [Configuration 2] The cell treatment system according to Configuration 1, further comprising a first agitation unit that agitates the liquid containing the cell suspension and the cell treatment solution that has been transferred to the third storage unit.

[0059] [Configuration 3] The cell treatment system according to Configuration 1 or 2, wherein at least one of the first flow path, the second flow path, and the third flow path is transparent.

[0060] [Configuration 4] The cell processing system according to any one of configurations 1 to 3, wherein the branch joint has a structure in which the first port, the second port, and the third port are arranged in a T-shape or a Y-shape.

[0061] [Configuration 5] The cell processing system according to any one of Configurations 1 to 4, further comprising a second agitation unit that agitates the cell suspension stored in the first storage unit.

[0062] [Configuration 6] The cell processing system according to any one of Configurations 1 to 5, further comprising a cooling unit that cools at least one of the first reservoir and the second reservoir.

[0063] [Configuration 7] The cell treatment system according to any one of Configurations 1 to 6, wherein the cell treatment solution contains a cell freezing solution.

[0064] [Configuration 8] The cell treatment system according to any one of Configurations 1 to 7, wherein the ratio of the volume of the cell suspension to the volume of the cell treatment solution is within a range of 8.5:1.5 to 9.5:0.5.

[0065] [Configuration 9] A cell processing system according to any one of configurations 1 to 8, comprising a dispensing unit that dispenses a liquid containing the cell suspension and the cell processing solution stored in the third storage unit into a plurality of containers.

[0066] [Method 1] A cell processing method comprising the steps of: converging a cell suspension stored in a first storage section and a cell processing solution for processing the cell suspension stored in a second storage section at a predetermined ratio at a branch joint; and transferring the converging liquid containing the cell suspension and the cell processing solution to a third storage section.

[0067] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the following claims are appended to apprise the public of the scope of the present invention.

[0068] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-104735, filed June 28, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0069] 001 First storage section 002 Second storage section 003 Branch joint 003-1 First port 003-2 First port 003-3 First port 004 Third storage section 005 First flow path 006 Second flow path 007 Third flow path 008 Liquid transfer section 009 Transfer control section 010 Stirring section 011 Cell suspension 012 Cell treatment liquid 013 Air layer 014 Bag setting table 015 Mixed liquid 016 Pressurizing section

Claims

1. A cell processing system comprising: a first storage section for storing a cell suspension; a second storage section for storing a cell treatment solution for treating the cell suspension; a branch joint having a first port, a second port, and a third port; a third storage section; a first flow path connecting the first storage section and the first port; a second flow path connecting the second storage section and the second port; a third flow path connecting the third port and the third storage section; a liquid transfer section that transfers the cell suspension from the first storage section to the third storage section via the branch joint, and transfers the cell treatment solution from the second storage section to the third storage section via the branch joint; and a transfer control section that controls the transfer of the cell suspension and the cell treatment solution by the liquid transfer section so that the cell suspension and the cell treatment solution merge at the branch joint at a predetermined ratio.

2. The cell processing system according to claim 1, further comprising a first agitation unit that agitates the liquid containing the cell suspension and the cell processing solution that has been transferred to the third storage unit.

3. The cell processing system according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the first flow path, the second flow path, and the third flow path is transparent.

4. The cell processing system according to claim 1, wherein the branch joint has a structure in which the first port, the second port, and the third port are arranged in a T-shape or a Y-shape.

5. The cell processing system according to claim 1, further comprising a second agitation unit for agitating the cell suspension stored in the first storage unit.

6. The cell processing system according to claim 1, further comprising a cooling unit for cooling at least one of the first reservoir and the second reservoir.

7. The cell processing system according to claim 1, wherein the cell processing solution includes a cell freezing solution.

8. The cell treatment system according to claim 1, wherein the ratio of the volume of the cell suspension to the volume of the cell treatment solution is within the range of 8.5:1.5 to 9.5:0.

5.

9. The cell processing system according to claim 1, further comprising a dispensing section that dispenses the liquid containing the cell suspension and the cell processing solution stored in the third storage section into a plurality of containers.

10. A cell processing method comprising the steps of: converging a cell suspension stored in a first storage section and a cell processing solution for processing the cell suspension stored in a second storage section at a predetermined ratio at a branch joint; and transferring the liquid containing the converging cell suspension and cell processing solution to a third storage section.

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