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: 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 are described that relate to flow rate measuring systems that may be used in cell expansion systems (CES) and in methods for controlling fluid input into systems such as a CES.

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 are described for receiving first data related to an amount of a first component in a multi-component liquid. A gain may be determined based on the first data. The multi-component liquid may be separated into at least two components. The gain may then be used to control a position of an interface between two separated components of the multi-component liquid, such as by using the gain in changing a speed of a pump pumping at least one of the components.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein generally relate to passively replacing media in a closed cell expansion system to reduce or prevent the dilution of chemical signaling used to inhibit signaling pathways that keep a cell population in the lag phase of cell growth. To prevent such dilution, active inlet fluid flow to the system may be halted. To replace fluid lost by the system, a bag containing media may be attached to the waste line in replacement of the waste or outlet bag connected thereto. By turning off one or more pumps, media from the replacement bag is added to the system at the rate of evaporation. Chemical signaling dilution may be prevented while conserving system resources. Enhancement of chemical signaling to reduce the lag phase of cell growth may further be accomplished by adding molecules, such as chemical-signaling proteins, from a direct source to the system.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a method of connecting at least two containers for enabling a transfer of liquid from one container to the other container, comprising the steps of: a) Depositing a first cassette including at least a first container on a first tray. The first container has a plurality of connecting means. b) Depositing a second cassette including a second container on a second tray. The cassettes or the containers include a data storage means. c) The data are read by respective data reading means. d) The data are processed and it is verified whether they match each other. e1) In case of a negative result, the second cassette is removed and the steps from step b) onwards are repeated. e2) In case of a positive verification result, the containers are connected. f) Removing the second cassette. g) Repeating steps b) to f) a plurality of times.

Abstract: Method and Apparatus for predicting the volume of a component separated from a composite fluid by predicting the volume of the composite fluid from sensed pressure and predicting the volume of other separated components from sensed movement of the other components to collection bags.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of extracorporeal blood processing methods and apparatus which are particularly useful in blood component collection, and more specifically, the present invention relates to methods and apparatus for centrifugally separating buffy coat that reduce the surface available for separated buffy coat components to sediment on by varying the radius of the product collection bag.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to methods and apparatuses for ensuring that mechanisms that are used to position components of an apheresis machine are not broken as a result of rotation of a centrifuge. In embodiments, a safety mechanism is provided that contacts components of the centrifuge and pushes them into a position to ensure that they do not break when the centrifuge is operated at high rpm.

Abstract: A method of distributing a plurality of cells in a bioreactor of a cell expansion system includes manipulating an orientation of the bioreactor such that a net impulse due to gravity acting on the plurality cells in the bioreactor is reduced. One method includes (a) rotating the bioreactor at an angular velocity ? about an axis of rotation and through an angular displacement ?, the bioreactor rotating from a first orientation to a second orientation; (b) holding the bioreactor still at the second orientation for a first period of time t1, wherein t1 substantially equals 2/?; (c) rotating the bioreactor at the angular velocity ? about the axis of rotation and through the angular displacement ?; and (d) holding the bioreactor still for a second period of time t2, wherein t2 substantially equals t1.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are provided for reduction of pathogens in fluids containing blood products. Preferred methods include the steps of adding an effective, non-toxic amount of a photosensitizer such as riboflavin to the blood product and exposing the fluid to light having a peak wavelength.

Abstract: Described are embodiments for determining components of a composite liquid and controlling the flow of the components into containers. In one embodiment, components of whole blood, after separation, are determined and directed to different containers for collection and storage. Embodiments may be implemented on an apparatus configured to separate multiple discrete volumes of composite liquid (e.g., whole blood) into components.

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: 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: Method and Apparatus for predicting the volume of a component separated from a composite fluid by predicting the volume of the composite fluid from sensed pressure and predicting the volume of other separated components from sensed movement of the other components to collection bags.

Abstract: A cell expansion system includes an air removal chamber to provide a bubble trap so that air and/or gas bubbles do not enter the bioreactor of the cell expansion system. The air removal chamber includes a pair of ports situated at the bottom of the air removal chamber. An entrance port allows fluid to enter the air removal chamber, and an exit port allows fluid to exit the air removal chamber. In one embodiment the air removal chamber forms an element of a premounted fluid conveyance assembly for use with a cell expansion machine.