Abstract: Described are embodiments for expanding cells in a bioreactor. In one embodiment, methods are provided that distribute cells throughout the bioreactor and attach cells to specific portions of a bioreactor to improve the expansion of the cells in the bioreactor. Embodiments may be implemented on a cell expansion system configured to load, distribute, attach and expand cells.

Abstract: Embodiments are described that relate to methods and systems for growing cells in a hollow fiber bioreactor. In embodiments, the cells may be exposed to an activator for activating expansion of the cells. The cells may in embodiments include T cells, and the activator may be in different forms, including, for example, antigen presenting cells or beads functionalized with antibodies.

Abstract: In order to prevent or suppress a blood component from being unnecessarily mixed to other bags by returning blood moved to a tube from a bag before centrifuge to the bag during the centrifuge. A blood bag system (10) has a cassette (50) (tube holder) for holding at least a part of the first transfer tube (21). The cassette (50) holds the first transfer tube (21) such that a distance between a rotation center (O) in application of a centrifugal force and the first transfer tube (21) increases toward the blood collection bag (11) side across a length between a flow path close position caused by the first clamp (71) in the first transfer tube (21) and the blood collection bag (11).

Abstract: This invention is directed to methods of directly reseeding harvested adherent cells grown in a hollow fiber bioreactor. Also disclosed is a novel harvest media for use in directly reseeding adherent cells into a hollow fiber bioreactor.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to systems and methods for removing beads from fluid that may include cells as well as the beads. Embodiments may utilize one or more: separation chambers, flow cells, magnets, and/or magnetic fields to remove beads from a fluid stream.

Abstract: A hybrid blood component storage bag having one side of the bag with a greater permeability than another side of the bag and the method of making such bag.

Abstract: A centrifugal blood separation system comprising a rotor, a light source, an optical sensor, a control system, a separation vessel, and an optical cell on the separation vessel. The optical cell has a first extraction port extending radially outwardly into the optical cell, a red blood cell extraction port downstream from the first extraction port and extending into the optical cell beyond the first extraction port; and a dam between said first extraction port and said red blood cell extraction port, having an upper edge and a lower edge, wherein the first extraction port and the red cell extraction port are radially between the upper edge and the lower edge of the dam. Also, a first extraction port having a bore having a first diameter, a lumen having a second diameter smaller than the first diameter, and a frustro-conical passageway coupling the bore to the lumen.

Abstract: This invention is directed to methods of directly reseeding harvested adherent cells grown in a hollow fiber bioreactor. Also disclosed is a novel harvest media for use in directly reseeding adherent cells into a hollow fiber bioreactor.

Abstract: Embodiments of a system box for holding a bag system and methods for separating composite liquids are described. In embodiments, a bag system may be a blood bag system used to collect blood, separate the blood into components, store the components, and utilize the components in patients. The system box may hold the blood bag system. Processes can then be performed to separate components from the blood.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a cassette (2) comprising a product conveying path (1, 1a, 1b) and a positioning means (3a, 3b) engageable with a counter-piece on a centrifuge having a rotor for separating blood components or on a system component (4) arranged in a centrifuge. The positioning is effected such that a section of the product conveying path (1, 1a, 1b) is aligned with a section of the centrifuge or the system component arranged in the centrifuge. Furthermore, a tube connected with bags is accommodated in the product conveying path (1, 1a, 1b).

Abstract: Embodiments described herein generally provide for the scheduled feeding of cells in a cell expansion system. A schedule to proactively and automatically increase and/or maintain inlet rates of media to feed cells may be created, in which inlet rates to the intracapillary portion (or extracapillary portion) of a bioreactor may be increased or maintained according to the schedule. Such schedule may be conservative or aggressive or a combination thereof, for example. Multiple schedules may be used. Scheduled media exchanges may also be included. By following a feed schedule, the monitoring of metabolite levels may be optional. Inlet rates may be increased or maintained without manual manipulation. Media usage may also be more predictable. In an embodiment, a custom task(s) may be created to follow a desired feed schedule. In another embodiment, a pre-programmed task(s) may be used for the scheduled feeding of cells.

Abstract: A premounted fluid conveyance assembly for use with a cell expansion machine comprises a tubing-organizer and a fluid conveyance system. The fluid conveyance system is at least partially attached to the tubing-organizer, and the fluid conveyance system comprises an oxygenator or gas transfer module, a length of tubing and a bioreactor all fluidly interconnected. The premounted fluid conveyance assembly is adapted to be detachably-attached to the cell expansion machine. Accordingly, after a premounted fluid conveyance assembly is used, it is removed from the cell expansion machine by disengaging it from the cell expansion machine. Thereafter, another premounted fluid conveyance assembly can be attached in place of the previously used premounted fluid conveyance assembly.

Abstract: A method is provided in a centrifugal blood processing system for adding replacement fluid without a dedicated peristaltic pump to blood components being returned to the donor. A disposable blood processing set for use in the method comprises a hermetically sealed set of blood bags, connecting tubes, needles or connectors, and supporting structures with a replacement fluid line coupled directly to a return reservoir without contact with an intervening pump.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to systems, chambers, and methods for processing particles by washing, concentrating, and/or treating the particles. Some embodiments provide for the processing of cells that may be in a liquid medium (e.g., a liquid in which the cells were grown) and are processed by being washed and concentrated for later use in research or other therapies.

Abstract: Cell expansion systems and methods of use are provided. The cell expansion systems generally include a hollow fiber cell growth chamber, and first and second circulation loops (intracapillary loops and extracapillary loops) associated with the interior of the hollow fibers and exterior of the hollow fibers, respectively. Detachable flow circuits and methods of expanding cells are also provided.

Abstract: A disposable blood separation set and a centrifugal blood processing system comprising a blood processing chamber adapted to be mounted on a rotor of a centrifuge; a frustro-conical cell separation chamber in fluid communication with the processing chamber, the cell separation chamber having an inlet, an outlet and a gravity valve inside the cell separation chamber. The valve is responsive to the gravitational field created by the speed of the rotor. When the rotor spins at high speed, the gravity valve may open the outlet at a location proximal to an axis of rotation of the rotor. When the rotor spins at a lower speed, the gravity valve may open the outlet at a location distal from the axis.

Abstract: One or more embodiments are described directed to a method and system for loading and distributing cells in a bioreactor of a cell expansion system. Accordingly, embodiments include methods and systems that may provide for adding a plurality of cells to a fluid within a bioreactor of the cell expansion system. A first percentage of the plurality of cells is allowed to settle in the bioreactor and a second percentage of the plurality of cells is allowed to settle outside of the bioreactor. The first percentage of cells is then expanded in the bioreactor. The second percentage of cells is wasted.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a cassette (2) comprising a product conveying path (1, 1a, 1b) and a shut-off device (19a, 19b) integrated into the cassette for interrupting a product flow. The shut-off device is arranged at a rim of the cassette such that the shut-off device (19a, 19b) can be directly operated manually and/or mechanically. The product-conveying path (1, 1a, 1b) leads through the shut-off device (19a, 19b). The cassette consists of a lower part (5) and an upper part (7) which are connectable to each other by connecting means (9, 11, 13, 15).

Abstract: A disposable blood separation set and a centrifugal blood processing system comprising a blood processing chamber adapted to be mounted on a rotor of a centrifuge; a frustro-conical cell separation chamber in fluid communication with the processing chamber, the cell separation chamber having an inlet, a primary outlet and a side tap outlet adjacent the inlet. A valve that is responsive to centrifugal force (a “gravity” valve) selects between the outlet and the side tap outlet. The gravity valve is mounted on the rotor. When the rotor spins at high speed, the gravity valve may open the primary outlet and close the side tap outlet. When the rotor spins at a lower speed, the gravity valve may open the side tap outlet and close the primary outlet.

Abstract: Embodiments of methods, systems, and apparatuses for lyophilizing, storing, and transfusing materials are described. In embodiments, the materials may include whole blood or a component of whole blood such as plasma.