Abstract: In one aspect, a system for use in processing a fluid comprises a reservoir for holding the fluid and one or more bioreactors for receiving the fluid from the reservoir. One or more sensors are provided for sensing one or more parameters of the fluid, and corresponding control measures may be initiated. Regulators may also be provided for regulating various parameters of the fluid processing operation. Related systems and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing cells is disclosed. In one embodiment, a fixed bed reactor is provided for the cells, the fixed bed reactor including a portion movable from a first position corresponding to a packed condition of the fixed bed to a second position corresponding to a depacked condition of the fixed bed. Movement of the partition facilitates harvesting of the cells there from. Related apparatus, kits, methods, and systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: A recipient for cell cultivation having an inner compartment adapted for cell growth, in one embodiment, an outer tubular wall extends in a longitudinal direction and delimits an outer boundary of the inner compartment in a radial direction. First and second ends delimit the inner compartment at the first respectively the second outer end of the outer tubular wall. A fixed packing in the inner compartment comprises a packing, such as a fiber matrix. Additional embodiments and related methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing cells is disclosed. In one embodiment, a fixed bed reactor is provided for the cells, the fixed bed reactor including a portion movable from a first position corresponding to a packed condition of the fixed bed to a second position corresponding to a depacked condition of the fixed bed. Movement of the partition facilitates harvesting of the cells there from. Related apparatus, kits, methods, and systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: A recipient for cell cultivation having an inner compartment adapted for cell growth, in one embodiment, an outer tubular wall extends in a longitudinal direction and delimits an outer boundary of the inner compartment in a radial direction. First and second ends delimit the inner compartment at the first respectively the second outer end of the outer tubular wail. A fixed packing in the inner compartment comprises a packing, such as a fiber matrix. Additional embodiments and related methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for the integrity testing of objects. One apparatus comprises a container forming a test chamber for receiving the vessel and a spacer for separating the vessel from a surface of the test chamber while constraining the ability of the vessel to inflate. Another apparatus comprises a connector including a film for connecting to a port. The use of a base level of a detectable gas in a test chamber is also proposed. Related methods are also described.

Abstract: A manner of providing an improved fluid processing arrangement, and bioprocessing in particular, is adapted to agitate the fluid, and also simultaneously provide for the distribution of gas throughout the fluid in order to maintain desirable processing conditions (such as an increased level of dissolved oxygen, in the case of biological applications). In some embodiments, the mixing would be completed without necessitating the use of an external drive motor or the like, such as by using a fluid-driven mixer. Overall, use of the improved arrangement leads to a simplification of the fluid processing operation with improved results and a concomitant reduction in the expense associated with such use.

Abstract: In one aspect, a disposable centrifuge includes a container including an interior compartment for receiving the liquid and solids. The container is capable of rotating to urge the solids toward the periphery of the interior compartment. A fixed extraction conduit may be provided for extracting at least a portion of the solids from adjacent the periphery of the interior compartment of the container. A motive device may also be provided for forming a non-contact coupling with the container, which may rotate and/or levitate the container. A relatively low, continuous flow rate (about 250 ml/min to about 500 ml/min) may also be utilized. Related methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for receiving a fluid is disclosed. The apparatus comprises an at least partially flexible vessel. The vessel includes a top wall and a plurality of sidewalls, a first of said sidewalls having a first length in a first plane that is greater than a second length of the second, generally orthogonal sidewall in the first plane, and a bottom wall depending from the at least two sidewalls. The vessel may have a generally rectangular cross section, and may include a depending portion. The vessel may be at least partially rigid. Related methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: In one aspect, an apparatus for bioprocessing using a liquid comprises an at least partially flexible vessel for receiving the liquid, and a filter adapted for moving within the liquid. An agitator may also be provided for agitating the liquid, and may be connected to the mixer. The mixer may spin or may not spin about an axis of rotation.

Abstract: In one aspect, a system for use in processing a fluid comprises a reservoir for holding the fluid and one or more bioreactors for receiving the fluid from the reservoir. One or more sensors are provided for sensing one or more parameters of the fluid, and corresponding control measures may be initiated. Regulators may also be provided for regulating various parameters of the fluid processing operation. Related systems and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present disclosure relates to the substantially sterile transport of a substantially sterile substance using a liner-based assembly having an overpack and a flexible or semi-rigid liner disposed within the overpack configured for pressure dispense, and a connector securable to at least one of the overpack or liner. The connector may include a first port operably connected with a quick connector configured for substantially aseptic filling of the liner. The first port may be configured for substantially aseptic sealing after filling of the liner. The connector may be configured for substantially aseptic dispense of the substance of the liner via the first port after unsealing of the first port or via a second port. In some particular embodiments, the second port may be operably connected with a quick connector, and dispense of the substance of the liner occurs via the quick connector of the second port.

Abstract: A selectively closeable drain connector includes a hollow body or plunger moveable relative to a bore-defining drain flange. A locking element may be arranged to maintain the hollow body relative to the drain flange in one or more desired positions. At least one sealed jacket may extend between exterior portions of the drain flange and the hollow body to provide a barrier arranged to inhibit passage of contaminants to sealing surfaces along which the hollow body travels relative to the drain flange. The drain connector may be joined to a container, such as a tank, bag, vessel, or other receptacle for material storage and/or processing.

Abstract: A cap for a container (e.g., container fitment) includes a neck portion and a lip portion that extends laterally outward from the neck portion. A gasket is provided between the cap and a rim of a container fitment. The neck portion is conical or frustoconical in shape, and an interior surface of a container port or fitment may be correspondingly tapered, to guide the cap into concentric alignment with the gasket and rim during insertion of the neck portion of the cap into the fitment. Such alignment promotes positive sealing engagement between the cap, gasket, and fitment. In one embodiment, the cap defines an externally accessible recess that optionally includes a handle, such as at least one segmenting wall, for grasping by a user to facilitate manipulation of the cap. The cap may be affixed to a fitment of a flexible liner.

Abstract: A configurable port fitment includes an adapter for forming a locking engagement with a connector associated with a vessel. A kit and related methods may use the configurable port fitment.

Abstract: A drain connector arranged for mounting to a tank or bag having an interior volume includes a drain flange defining a bore having an inner diameter, and a hollow body having at least an upper portion with a maximum outer diameter that is no greater than the inner diameter of the bore and arranged to convey fluid to the interior volume, with at least one circumferential sealing element between the drain flange and hollow body, with the drain flange including a body extending outside the interior volume and including at least one retaining element arranged to retain the hollow body in a position. A drain flange may include multiple bores for receiving multiple hollow bodies, with each hollow body including at least one circumferential sealing element.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in material processing takes the form of a vessel including a wall at least partially formed of a flexible film The film includes at least two layers having an anti-static agent and sandwiching an intermediate layer. Related methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A selectively closeable drain connector includes a hollow plunger moveable relative to an aperture-defining drain flange. The connector includes two circumferential seals between the plunger and the flange, and includes at least one passage disposed between the seals leading to a hollow interior. The drain connector may be joined to a processing bag and/or tank to form a substance processing receptacle. A tubular port or a tubular plunger may be alternately used with a common drain flange.