Fluid Connector for Cartridge-Based Cell Processing Automation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional cell product manufacturing processes are cumbersome, expensive, and prone to human error, lacking end-to-end process flexibility, scalability, and reliability, with many relying on manual operations in biosafety cabinets and clean rooms.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising a cartridge and a workcell with automated instruments and a robot for processing cell products, enabling sterility, reduced costs, and improved flexibility, scalability, and reliability through automated cell processing operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If automated cell processing systems are implemented, then productivity and repeatability are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecell processing throughputVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides cell processing into discrete modular steps (cell acquisition, activation, transduction, expansion, formulation) that can be independently controlled and optimized. Each step is performed in separate vessels that can be automatically transferred between processing stations, enabling high throughput while maintaining manageable system complexity through modularity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The automated system integrates multiple processing functions into a unified platform that can perform diverse cell therapy manufacturing operations. The system includes versatile instrumentation capable of handling different cell types and processing protocols, reducing overall device complexity by consolidating functions rather than requiring separate specialized equipment for each operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If manual operations are performed in biosafety cabinets and clean rooms, then sterility is maintained, but loss of time and productivity occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontamination riskVSAvoidprocessing duration

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates automated sterilization capabilities where the apparatus itself performs cleaning and sterilization operations without requiring manual intervention in controlled environments. The automated vessels and processing equipment include integrated sterilization cycles that maintain sterility while enabling continuous operation, eliminating the time loss associated with manual sterile technique procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Vessels and processing equipment are pre-sterilized and prepared in advance before cell processing begins. The system uses pre-configured sterile barriers and pre-sterilized components that eliminate the need for time-consuming sterile technique procedures during actual cell processing, thereby maintaining sterility while significantly reducing processing time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If conventional manufacturing processes are used, then operational flexibility is maintained, but reliability and scalability are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocess flexibilityVSAvoidprocess reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs dynamic, programmable control that allows processing parameters, protocols, and sequences to be adjusted based on specific cell therapy requirements. The automated platform can adapt to different cell types, processing scales, and protocol variations through software control, providing both flexibility for diverse applications and consistent reliable execution through automated precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Manufacturing precision

If skilled laboratory technicians perform manual operations, then process quality is maintained, but labor costs and operator error risk increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocess precisionVSAvoidoperational simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces manual mechanical operations with automated robotic systems and programmable instrumentation. This substitution maintains manufacturing precision through consistent automated execution of protocols while eliminating the risks of operator error and reducing dependence on skilled labor for routine operations. The automated system provides precise control over all processing parameters without human intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS12403468B2Fluid connector

Publication Date: 2025.09.02 CELLARES CORP

AI summary

Disclosed herein are cell processing systems, devices, and methods thereof. A system for cell processing may comprise a plurality of instruments each independently configured to perform one or more cell processing operations upon a cartridge, and a robot capable of moving the cartridge between each of the plurality of instruments.