Abstract: A sampler for use with a bioreactor for growing a cell culture is disclosed. In one embodiment, the bioreactor includes a structured fixed bed including a removable sample portion for recovering a sample of cells from the cell culture. Related apparatuses and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for culturing cells includes a bioreactor including a monolithic structured cell culture bed, which may be fabricated using additive manufacturing techniques, such as for example 3D printing. The bioreactor and monolithic structured cell culture bed may be formed as a unitary structure. The monolithic structured cell culture bed may include regions of varying porosity and/or surface treatments to achieve desired objectives. Related methods are also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides a structured cell growth matrix or assembly comprising a one or more spacer layers and one or more cell immobilization layers. The invention further provides a bioreactor comprising said matrix or assembly.

Abstract: A bioreactor includes a fixed bed for culturing cells and a sensor system for sensing a density of the cells in the fixed bed. The sensor may be selected from the group comprising: (a) a sensor for measuring impedance across at least a portion of the fixed bed; (b) a flowmeter for detecting a rate of flow of liquid associated with the fixed bed; (c) a sensor for measuring a pressure differential in a flow of liquid through the fixed bed; (d) a monitor, such as a light sensor or microscope, for detecting light from a light source for projecting light on or in the fixed bed, wherein the detected or measured characteristic is indicative of cell density in the fixed bed; (e) a chemical sensor within the fixed bed for detecting a chemical indicative of cell density in the fixed bed. Related sensor arrangements, systems, and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for culturing cells includes a bioreactor. The bioreactor may be modular and may include in a chamber a fixed bed, such as an unstructured or structured fixed bed (such as a spiral bed) for culturing cells, with a return column arranged centrally within the chamber. The modular bioreactor may include a plurality of structured fixed bed arranged in a stacked configuration. The modular bioreactor may include an outer casing forming a space for conditioning (e.g., insulating, heating, cooling) at least a chamber in which cells are cultured. The bioreactor may also include an impeller with radially curved blades, and may also suspend the impeller so that it may move from side-to-side and align with an external drive. Related methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for culturing cells includes a bioreactor. The bioreactor may be modular and may include in a chamber a fixed bed, such as an unstructured or structured fixed bed (such as a spiral bed) for culturing cells, with a return column arranged centrally within the chamber. The modular bioreactor may include a plurality of structured fixed bed arranged in a stacked configuration. The modular bioreactor may include an outer casing forming a space for conditioning (e.g., insulating, heating, cooling) at least a chamber in which cells are cultured. The bioreactor may also include an impeller with radially curved blades, and may also suspend the impeller so that it may move from side-to-side and align with an external drive. Related methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for culturing cells with enhanced gas transfer and thermal regulation is provided. The apparatus includes a bioreactor with a cell culture bed, such as a fixed structured bed. A pump, such as an agitator, serves to pump liquid through the cell culture bed, and a container is provided for the agitator. A first conduit may be associated with the container, such as by being connected to it or adjacent an opening into it. The bioreactor may also include flow extenders to enhance the gas transfer to a liquid used as media to culture the cells, as well as optional thermoregulators. Related methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems, methods and devices for the continuous production and processing of compounds, including biopharmaceutical compounds. The system and devices are operated in an automated manner and capable of operation under Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP)-compliant conditions.

Abstract: An apparatus for culturing cells includes a bioreactor. The bioreactor may be modular and may include in a chamber a fixed bed, such as an unstructured or structured fixed bed (such as a spiral bed) for culturing cells, with a return column arranged centrally within the chamber. The modular bioreactor may include a plurality of structured fixed bed arranged in a stacked configuration. The modular bioreactor may include an outer casing forming a space for conditioning (e.g., insulating, heating, cooling) at least a chamber in which cells are cultured. The bioreactor may also include an impeller with radially curved blades, and may also suspend the impeller so that it may move from side-to-side and align with an external drive. Related methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: An alignment rod includes a first rod and a second rod movably connected to each other, and a first connecting rod and a second connecting rod connecting the first rod and the second rod. The first rod and the second rod substantially overlap each other in a collapsed configuration, and the first rod and the second rod are spaced apart from each other in an expanded configuration.

Abstract: The invention provides a structured cell growth matrix or assembly comprising a one or more spacer layers and one or more cell immobilization layers. The invention further provides a bioreactor comprising said matrix or assembly.

Abstract: The invention provides a structured cell growth matrix or assembly comprising a one or more spacer layers and one or more cell immobilization layers. The invention further provides a bioreactor comprising said matrix or assembly.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and a method for the production of cells and/or cell products. The system comprises at least one cell culture unit comprising at least one bioreactor for culturing cells, at least one technical control unit for controlling a cell growth parameters, said technical control unit is at least fluidly connected to the cell culture unit, and at least one air treatment unit for treating ambient air, said air treatment unit is fluidly connected to the cell culture unit. The system is characterized in that the system is autonomous and the bioreactor total volume is at most 1000L.

Abstract: The current disclosure concerns a method for decontaminating a virus production system, wherein virus particles are produced in at least one bioreactor and purified from liquids comprising said virus particles thereby generating liquid waste, said method comprising the step of exposing said system or a part thereof to heated air and/or liquid at a temperature of at least 60° C. after viral production took place, thereby eradicating remaining virus particles in said system. In a second and third aspect the current disclosure concerns a virus production system wherein the system comprises a heating device suitable for heating air and/or liquid to a temperature of at least 60° C., and the use of such a system for the production of viruses and/or viral vaccines.

Abstract: An alignment rod includes a first rod and a second rod movably connected to each other, and a first connecting rod and a second connecting rod connecting the first rod and the second rod. The first rod and the second rod substantially overlap each other in a collapsed configuration, and the first rod and the second rod are spaced apart from each other in an expanded configuration.

Abstract: A system for clarifying a cell culture harvest solution, including target molecules and dynamic filter media. A filtration vessel includes a flexible liner and at least one filter having a surface on which the dynamic filter media accumulates into a cake. The cake and filter during filtration operation permit a filtrate including target molecules to pass therethrough while preventing unwanted solid materials from passing therethrough. A backflush source includes a backflush fluid and is fluidly connected to the filtration vessel via the at least one filter. The backflush source, during backflush operation, is adapted to supply backflush fluid back through the at least one filter for removing the cake formed on the filter. Related systems and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for bioprocessing, such as for culturing cells. The apparatus includes a bioreactor with a chamber having cells and a chamber for) temperature regulation of the cells. In some embodiments, a freezer is connected to the bioreactor for freezing the cells in the chamber, and a heater may also be provided for actively thawing the cells. Related methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for culturing cells includes a bio reactor. The bioreactor may be modular and may include in a chamber a fixed bed, such as an unstructured or structured fixed bed (such as a spiral bed) for culturing cells, with a return column arranged centrally within the chamber. The modular bioreactor may include a plurality of structured fixed beds arranged in a stacked configuration. The modular bioreactor may include an outer casing forming a space for conditioning (e.g., insulating, heating, cooling) at least a chamber in which cells are cultured. The bioreactor may also include an impeller with radially curved blades, and may also suspend the impeller so that it may move from side-to-side and align with an external drive. Related methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and a kit for combined virus inactivation and capture/purification of a feed containing a protein of interest. The method comprises the steps of: contacting a feed comprising a protein of interest with negatively charged particles or media, conditioning the particles or media such that the pH is acidic thereby inactivating said virus, and eluting said protein of interest.

Abstract: The invention provides a structured cell growth matrix or assembly comprising a one or more spacer layers and one or more cell immobilization layers. The invention further provides a bioreactor comprising said matrix or assembly.