Parallel Biomanufacturing Workcell Scheduling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cell manufacturing systems face challenges in processing multiple cartridges concurrently, leading to low throughput, increased time, and high risk of contamination due to contention issues and the inability to optimize workflows effectively.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for planning parallel biomanufacturing processes using a workcell with multiple instruments and a computing device that simulates biomanufacturing processes, identifies potential contentions, and generates periodic Gantt charts to optimize instrument usage and scheduling, ensuring deterministic process outputs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If single cartridge processes are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but throughput is low and processing time is long
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the manufacturing process by introducing multiple cartridges that can be processed independently in parallel. Each cartridge represents a separate processing unit that can undergo the same manufacturing workflow simultaneously, thereby increasing throughput without requiring each individual process step to become more complex.
Solution Approach 2:
The workcell is designed with universal instruments and interfaces that can handle multiple cartridge types and configurations. The system employs standardized docking stations, fluid connectors, and control interfaces that work across different cartridges, enabling parallel processing while maintaining operational simplicity through multi-functionality.
2Productivity
If multiple cartridges are processed in parallel, then throughput is increased, but contention and conflicts arise
Solution Approach 1:
The control system continuously monitors the state of each cartridge and instrument, detecting potential contentions before they occur. The system uses feedback from sensors and process parameters to dynamically adjust scheduling and resource allocation, preventing conflicts between parallel processes and maintaining stable operation across multiple cartridges.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary scheduling and resource allocation before parallel processing begins. The control system pre-coordinates instrument usage, fluid delivery, and cartridge positioning to prevent potential contentions, ensuring that each cartridge has its required resources available without conflict during the parallel processing phase.
3Loss of time
If conventional single cartridge approaches are used, then contamination risk is lower, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces sterile barriers, sealed interfaces, and automated fluid handling mechanisms as intermediaries between the external environment and the cell processing environment. These intermediaries maintain isolation and prevent contamination while enabling rapid cartridge processing through automated docking and fluid transfer, thus reducing both processing time and contamination risk.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses standardized, pre-sterilized cartridge designs that can be rapidly exchanged without compromising sterility. Each cartridge is a self-contained, sterile unit that can be quickly loaded and processed in parallel, eliminating the need for time-consuming sterile technique maneuvers while maintaining contamination protection through replicated sterile barriers.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are cell processing systems, devices, and methods thereof. A system for planning parallel biomanufacturing processes comprises a plurality of cartridges, each containing a cell sample, a biomanufacturing workcell configured to receive the plurality of cartridges and comprising a plurality of instruments configured to interface with respective modules of each one of the plurality of cartridges to perform biomanufacturing processes on the cell sample therein, and a computing device comprising a processor configured to receive one or more inputs associated with the biomanufacturing processes to be performed on the cell sample within each of the plurality of cartridges, simulate the biomanufacturing processes based on the received one or more inputs, identify potential contentions based on the simulation, and generate an output based on the one or more inputs associated with the biomanufacturing processes.