Modular Cartridge Bioprocessing for Sterile Immune Cell Throughput
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bioprocessing systems for liquid immune cell cultures lack flexibility and automation potential while maintaining sterility and preventing cross-contamination, leading to high costs and reduced throughput.
Innovation Solution
An integrated bioprocessing system with standardized unit operation stations and individualized cartridges, featuring a local transport mechanism, cartridge storage, and a global transport mechanism, allowing flexible and automated processing with closed inner volumes to maintain sterility and prevent cross-contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single device is used to sequentially process all steps on one immune cell culture, then sterility is maintained, but throughput is reduced and facility footprint is large
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the bioprocessing into separate modular units (unit operation stations), each performing a specific function. Multiple immune cell cultures can be processed in parallel across different stations, increasing throughput while each station maintains sterility through its own closed system
Solution Approach 2:
The unit operation stations are designed with universal interfaces and standardized protocols that allow them to perform multiple different operations by changing cartridges or processing parameters, enabling one station to handle various unit operations across different culture types
2Device complexity
If processing steps are predefined by tubing set installation, then system simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to different bioprocesses is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses dynamic, reconfigurable connections through standardized interfaces that allow tubing sets and cartridges to be easily changed between operations. This enables the same physical infrastructure to adapt to different bioprocess requirements without permanent reconfiguration
Solution Approach 2:
Tubing sets and cartridges are pre-configured for specific unit operations but stored externally, allowing rapid exchange between different process types. The standardized interfaces enable quick connection and disconnection without complex reconfiguration during operation
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual processes are used with extensive operator training, then process flexibility is maintained, but costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates automated functions including robotic liquid handling, automated cartridge changes, and electronic process control that enable the system to perform complex operations without extensive manual intervention, reducing training costs while maintaining flexibility through programmable sequences
Solution Approach 2:
Manual operations are replaced with automated mechanical and electronic systems, including robotic arms for liquid transfer, automated pumps and valves controlled by electronic systems, reducing reliance on operator skill while maintaining process adaptability through software control
Data Source
AI summary
Method for performing a bioprocess on liquid immune cell cultures comprising a sequence of processing steps, wherein the bioprocess is being performed on an integrated bioprocessing system, wherein the sequence of processing steps comprises at least one unit operation, which is being performed within a unit operation station of the integrated bioprocessing system. Cartridges, that have been preconfigured with a cartridge fluidic structure with respect to the respective unit operation, are being stored in a cartridge storage unit of the unit operation station and that for performing the respective unit operation, one of the cartridges is being transported from a storage transfer location in a cartridge storage unit of the unit operation station to a drive location of a cartridge drive unit of the unit operation station by a local transport mechanism of the unit operation station and is being brought into operative coupling with the cartridge drive unit.