Patents by Inventor Nathan D. FRANK

Nathan D. FRANK has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20250145930
    Abstract: A method for using a bioreactor-based system includes circulating a volume including a cell population through a space in a first direction for a first period, the space having a first orientation for the first period; circulating the volume in a second direction for a second period, the space having the first orientation for the second period; circulating the volume in the first direction for a third period, the space having a second orientation for the third period; and circulating the volume in the second direction for a fourth period, the space having the second orientation for the fourth period. The method further includes maintaining a culture medium in the space using bidirectional movement at a first rate, causing the culture medium to move through the space at a second rate that is less than the first rate, and causing a washing fluid to move through the space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2024
    Publication date: May 8, 2025
    Inventor: Nathan D. FRANK
  • Publication number: 20240376430
    Abstract: A method for producing T-cells using a cell expansion system includes expanding T-cells using a small bioreactor of the cell expansion system, the small bioreactor having a surface area of about 2,000 cm2 and an intracapillary volume of about 58 milliliters. The method further includes causing T-cells to flow into a small bioreactor of the cell expansion system. A rate at which the T-cells flow into the small bioreactor may be greater than or equal to about 0.007 ?L/min/fiber to less than or equal to about 0.0281 ?L/min/fiber. The cell expansion system may further include a tubing set that is in fluid communication with the small bioreactor and a volume ratio of the tubing set to the bioreactor may be about 2.96.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2024
    Publication date: November 14, 2024
    Inventors: Dalip SETHI, Mindy M. MILLER, Nathan SCHWAB, Nathan D. FRANK, Mark E. JONES
  • Patent number: 12077739
    Abstract: Embodiments described herein generally provide for the expansion of cells in a cell expansion system using an active promotion of a coating agent(s) to a cell growth surface in some embodiments. A coating agent may be applied to a surface, such as the cell growth surface of a hollow fiber in a bioreactor, by controlling the movement of a fluid in which a coating agent is suspended, by changing flow rates, by changing flow directions, by rotation of the bioreactor, and/or combinations thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2023
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2024
    Assignee: Terumo BCT, Inc.
    Inventors: Nathan D. Frank, Brian J. Nankervis, Dennis J. Hlavinka, Thomas G. Dilorenzo
  • Patent number: 11999929
    Abstract: Embodiments described herein generally provide for the expansion of cells in a cell expansion system using an active promotion of a coating agent(s) to a cell growth surface. A coating agent may be applied to a surface, such as the cell growth surface of a hollow fiber, by controlling the movement of a fluid in which a coating agent is suspended. Using ultrafiltration, the fluid may be pushed through the pores of a hollow fiber from a first side, e.g., an intracapillary (IC) side, of the hollow fiber to a second side, e.g., an extracapillary (EC) side, while the coating agent is actively promoted to the surface of the hollow fiber. In so doing, the coating agent may be hydrostatically deposited onto a wall, e.g., inner wall, of the hollow fiber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2024
    Assignee: Terumo BCT, Inc.
    Inventors: Nathan D. Frank, Brian J. Nankervis, Dennis J. Hlavinka, Thomas G. Dilorenzo
  • Publication number: 20240076597
    Abstract: A method for functionalizing a hollow-fiber membrane for cell expansion of targeted cells (e.g., natural killer cells) includes contacting a biotinylating molecule to a surface of the hollow-fiber membrane including an extracellular matrix component, the biotinylating molecule binding to the extracellular matrix component and having an affinity for the targeted cells. The biotinylated molecule may be selected from the group consisting of: cytokine, epitope, ligand, monoclonal antibody, stains, aptamer, and combinations thereof. The extracellular matrix component may be selected from the group consisting of: fibronectin, vitronectin, fibrinogen, collagen, laminin, and combinations thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2023
    Publication date: March 7, 2024
    Applicant: Terumo BCT, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark E. JONES, Nathan D. FRANK, Mindy M. MILLER, Ann Marie W. CUNNINGHAM, Dalip SETHI
  • Publication number: 20240060030
    Abstract: Embodiments described herein generally provide for expanding cells in a cell expansion system. The cells may be grown in a bioreactor, and the cells may be activated by an activator (e.g., a soluble activator complex). Nutrient and gas exchange capabilities of a closed, automated cell expansion system may allow cells to be seeded at reduced cell seeding densities, for example. Parameters of the cell growth environment may be manipulated to load the cells into a particular position in the bioreactor for the efficient exchange of nutrients and gases. System parameters may be adjusted to shear any cell colonies that may form during the expansion phase. Metabolic concentrations may be controlled to improve cell growth and viability. Cell residence in the bioreactor may be controlled. In embodiments, the cells may include T cells. In further embodiments, the cells may include T cell subpopulations, including regulatory T cells (Tregs), for example.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2023
    Publication date: February 22, 2024
    Inventors: Dalip SETHI, James ARTHUR, David Alan HANNA, Daniel CLEMENT, Brian J. NANKERVIS, Jerome HEINTZ, Nathan D. FRANK, Brett BAEVERSTAD, Dennis J. HLAVINKA
  • Patent number: 11685883
    Abstract: Embodiments described herein generally provide for the expansion of cells in a cell expansion system using an active promotion of a coating agent(s) to a cell growth surface. A coating agent may be applied to a surface, such as the cell growth surface of a hollow fiber, by controlling the movement of a fluid in which a coating agent is suspended. Using ultrafiltration, the fluid may be pushed through the pores of a hollow fiber from a first side, e.g., an intracapillary (IC) side, of the hollow fiber to a second side, e.g., an extracapillary (EC) side, while the coating agent is actively promoted to the surface of the hollow fiber. In so doing, the coating agent may be hydrostatically deposited onto a wall, e.g., inner wall, of the hollow fiber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Assignee: Terumo BCT, Inc.
    Inventors: Nathan D. Frank, Brian J. Nankervis, Dennis J. Hlavinka, Thomas G. DiLorenzo
  • Publication number: 20230193180
    Abstract: Embodiments described herein generally provide for the expansion of cells in a cell expansion system using an active promotion of a coating agent(s) to a cell growth surface in some embodiments. A coating agent may be applied to a surface, such as the cell growth surface of a hollow fiber in a bioreactor, by controlling the movement of a fluid in which a coating agent is suspended, by changing flow rates, by changing flow directions, by rotation of the bioreactor, and/or combinations thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2023
    Publication date: June 22, 2023
    Inventors: Nathan D. FRANK, Brian J. NANKERVIS, Dennis J. HLAVINKA, Thomas G. DILORENZO
  • Patent number: 11634677
    Abstract: Embodiments described herein generally provide for the expansion of cells in a cell expansion system using an active promotion of a coating agent(s) to a cell growth surface in some embodiments. A coating agent may be applied to a surface, such as the cell growth surface of a hollow fiber in a bioreactor, by controlling the movement of a fluid in which a coating agent is suspended, by changing flow rates, by changing flow directions, by rotation of the bioreactor, and/or combinations thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2023
    Assignee: Terumo BCT, Inc.
    Inventors: Nathan D. Frank, Brian J. Nankervis, Dennis J. Hlavinka, Thomas G. Dilorenzo
  • Patent number: 11104874
    Abstract: Embodiments provide for introducing a first fluid into a bioreactor and while introducing the first fluid into the bioreactor, circulating a second fluid with a reagent at a first flow rate through the bioreactor. The bioreactor may be maintained in a first orientation for a first period of time to allow at least a first portion of the reagent to coat the bioreactor. The second fluid may then be circulated at a second flow rate slower than the first flow rate to allow a second portion of the reagent to coat the bioreactor. Introduction of the first fluid may promote coating of the bioreactor by ultrafiltration. The introduction of the first fluid may be stopped. A third fluid may be circulated through the bioreactor to remove a portion of the reagent not coated on the bioreactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Assignee: Terumo BCT, Inc.
    Inventors: Nathan D. Frank, Brian J. Nankervis, Dennis J. Hlavinka, Thomas G. Dilorenzo
  • Publication number: 20200239819
    Abstract: Embodiments described herein generally provide for the expansion of cells in a cell expansion system using an active promotion of a coating agent(s) to a cell growth surface. A coating agent may be applied to a surface, such as the cell growth surface of a hollow fiber, by controlling the movement of a fluid in which a coating agent is suspended. Using ultrafiltration, the fluid may be pushed through the pores of a hollow fiber from a first side, e.g., an intracapillary (IC) side, of the hollow fiber to a second side, e.g., an extracapillary (EC) side, while the coating agent is actively promoted to the surface of the hollow fiber. In so doing, the coating agent may be hydrostatically deposited onto a wall, e.g., inner wall, of the hollow fiber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2020
    Publication date: July 30, 2020
    Applicant: Terumo BCT, Inc.
    Inventors: Nathan D. FRANK, Brian J. NANKERVIS, Dennis J. HLAVINKA, Thomas G. DILORENZO
  • Publication number: 20200239822
    Abstract: Embodiments described herein generally provide for the expansion of cells in a cell expansion system using an active promotion of a coating agent(s) to a cell growth surface in some embodiments. A coating agent may be applied to a surface, such as the cell growth surface of a hollow fiber in a bioreactor, by controlling the movement of a fluid in which a coating agent is suspended, by changing flow rates, by changing flow directions, by rotation of the bioreactor, and/or combinations thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2020
    Publication date: July 30, 2020
    Applicant: Terumo BCT, Inc.
    Inventors: Nathan D. FRANK, Brian J. NANKERVIS, Dennis J. HLAVINKA, Thomas G. DILORENZO
  • Patent number: 10577575
    Abstract: Embodiments for coating a bioreactor with a reagent are described. The embodiments may provide for changing flow rates, direction of flow, and/or bioreactor rotation to enhance the coating of the bioreactor prior to growing cells in the bioreactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Assignee: Terumo BCT, Inc.
    Inventor: Nathan D. Frank
  • Patent number: 10557112
    Abstract: Described are embodiments for expanding cells in a bioreactor. In embodiments, methods and systems 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2020
    Assignee: Terumo BCT, Inc.
    Inventors: Nathan D. Frank, Mark E. Jones
  • Publication number: 20170349869
    Abstract: Embodiments described herein generally provide for the expansion of cells in a cell expansion system using an active promotion of a coating agent(s) to a cell growth surface. A coating agent may be applied to a surface, such as the cell growth surface of a hollow fiber, by controlling the movement of a fluid in which a coating agent is suspended. Using ultrafiltration, the fluid may be pushed through the pores of a hollow fiber from a first side, e.g., an intracapillary (IC) side, of the hollow fiber to a second side, e.g., an extracapillary (EC) side, while the coating agent is actively promoted to the surface of the hollow fiber. In so doing, the coating agent may be hydrostatically deposited onto a wall, e.g., inner wall, of the hollow fiber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2017
    Publication date: December 7, 2017
    Applicant: Terumo BCT, Inc.
    Inventors: Nathan D. FRANK, Brian J. NANKERVIS, Dennis J. HLAVINKA, Thomas G. DILORENZO
  • Publication number: 20170349873
    Abstract: Embodiments described herein generally provide for the expansion of cells in a cell expansion system using an active promotion of a coating agent(s) to a cell growth surface in some embodiments. A coating agent may be applied to a surface, such as the cell growth surface of a hollow fiber in a bioreactor, by controlling the movement of a fluid in which a coating agent is suspended, by changing flow rates, by changing flow directions, by rotation of the bioreactor, and/or combinations thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2017
    Publication date: December 7, 2017
    Applicant: Terumo BCT, Inc.
    Inventors: Nathan D. FRANK, Brian J. NANKERVIS, Dennis J. HLAVINKA, Thomas G. DILORENZO
  • Publication number: 20170349872
    Abstract: Embodiments for coating a bioreactor with a reagent are described. The embodiments may provide for changing flow rates, direction of flow, and/or bioreactor rotation to enhance the coating of the bioreactor prior to growing cells in the bioreactor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2017
    Publication date: December 7, 2017
    Applicant: Terumo BCT, Inc.
    Inventor: Nathan D. FRANK
  • Publication number: 20170275580
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2017
    Publication date: September 28, 2017
    Applicant: Terumo BCT, Inc.
    Inventors: Nathan D. FRANK, Mark E. JONES
  • Patent number: 9617506
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Terumo BCT, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark E. Jones, Nathan D. Frank
  • Publication number: 20150140653
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2014
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Applicant: Terumo BCT, INC.
    Inventors: Mark E. JONES, Nathan D. FRANK