Modular Cell Culture Bioprocessing with Sterile Cartridge Interfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bioprocessing systems for liquid immune or naive cell cultures lack flexibility and automation potential while maintaining sterility, leading to high costs, large facility footprints, and potential for cross-contamination during parallel processing.
Innovation Solution
A modular bioprocessing system with standardized base structures and preconfigured cartridges that allow flexible and parallel performance of multiple processing steps, maintaining sterility through standardized interfaces and reusable components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single device is used to sequentially perform all processing steps on an initial cell culture, then sterility is maintained through closed inner volume, but the facility footprint is large and throughput is lowered
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into multiple independent module stations, each capable of performing specific processing steps. Multiple cell cultures can be processed in parallel across different modules, increasing throughput while each module maintains its own closed sterile environment. The base structure with multiple module stations allows simultaneous processing of multiple cell cultures without cross-contamination.
2Adaptability or versatility
If processing steps are flexibly adapted and tailored to each individual cell culture, then process flexibility is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows dynamic configuration of processing sequences through software control. The base structure with standardized module stations can be programmed to perform different sequences of operations depending on the specific cell culture requirements. This enables flexible adaptation to individual patient needs while maintaining a standardized physical platform, avoiding the complexity of custom-built devices for each process variation.
3Reliability
If manual processes are performed with extensive operator training, then process control is maintained, but costs are very high
Solution Approach 1:
The system is designed for automated operation with minimal manual intervention. The module stations perform processing steps automatically through programmed sequences, reducing dependence on extensively trained operators. The standardized interfaces and closed systems maintain process control reliability while significantly reducing operational costs by minimizing the need for highly skilled manual labor.
4Productivity
If parallel processing of multiple cell cultures is performed, then throughput is increased, but cross-contamination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each module station operates as an independent closed system with its own sterile environment. Multiple cell cultures are processed in parallel across separate modules, preventing cross-contamination while maintaining high throughput. The physical separation and independent operation of each module ensure that contaminants cannot transfer between cultures during simultaneous processing.
Data Source
AI summary
Method for performing a bioprocess to obtain processed cell cultures, wherein the processed cell cultures are destined for autologous or allogenic cell therapy, wherein the bioprocess is performed on an integrated bioprocessing system, wherein the bioprocess comprises a sequence of processing steps, wherein the processing steps each comprise at least one operation, wherein the bioprocess system comprises a base structure and preconfigurable cartridges, wherein the bioprocess system performs operations of the bioprocess via an interaction of the base structure with the cartridges, wherein the cartridges and the base structure comprise matching standardized interfaces for an interaction of the base structure with the respective cartridge, wherein the bioprocess system performs at least two operations of the bioprocess inside at least two differently preconfigured cartridges by an interaction of the base structure with the cartridges via the same base structure interface and/or identical base structure interfaces and matching cartridge interfaces.