阅读说明：本技术 用于自动化生物反应器的细胞浓缩方法和装置 (Cell concentration method and device for automated bioreactor ) 是由 J·奥康纳 E·麦卡菲 S·班达帕里 Y·施 E·亚伯拉罕 于 2020-02-05 设计创作，主要内容包括：本公开提供用于自动化细胞工程系统的盒,其包括用于在自动化处理期间或之后减少细胞样品的流体体积的细胞浓缩过滤器。本公开还提供了浓缩细胞群的方法,以及可以利用所述盒并实施所述方法的自动化细胞工程系统。(The present disclosure provides a cartridge for an automated cell engineering system comprising a cell concentration filter for reducing the fluid volume of a cell sample during or after an automated process. The disclosure also provides methods of concentrating a population of cells, and automated cell engineering systems that can utilize the cassettes and implement the methods.)

1. A cartridge for an automated cell engineering system, comprising:

(a) a cell culture chamber;

(b) a pumping system in fluid connection with the cell culture chamber;

(c) a tangential flow filter in fluid connection with the pumping system, wherein the pumping system provides a retentate stream to the tangential flow filter, and wherein a permeate stream of the tangential flow filter is controlled by a flow controller; and

(d) a cell sample output in fluid connection with the tangential flow filter.

2. The cartridge of claim 1, wherein the tangential flow filter has a pore size of about 0.40 μ ι η to about 0.80 μ ι η and a fiber diameter of about 0.5mm to about 0.9 mm.

3. The cartridge of claim 2, wherein the tangential flow filter has a pore size of about 0.60 μ ι η to about 0.70 μ ι η and a fiber diameter of about 0.70mm to about 0.80 mm.

4. The cartridge of any one of claims 1-3, wherein the tangential flow filter comprises a polymer selected from the group consisting of poly (ether sulfone), poly (acrylonitrile), and poly (vinylidene fluoride).

5. The cartridge of any one of claims 1-4, further comprising a fixed volume waste collection chamber fluidly connected to the tangential flow filter.

6. The cartridge of any one of claims 1-5, further comprising a fluidics path for recirculating the retentate stream back through the tangential flow filter.

7. The cartridge of any one of claims 1-6, further comprising a satellite volume fluidly connected to the tangential flow filter.

8. The cartridge of any one of claims 1-7, further comprising one or more fluidics pathways, wherein the fluidics pathways provide recirculation, waste removal and homogeneous gas exchange and nutrient distribution to the cell culture chamber without interfering with cells within the cell culture chamber.

9. The cartridge of any one of claims 1-8, wherein the cell culture chamber is a flat and inflexible chamber having a low chamber height.

10. The cartridge of any one of claims 1-9, further comprising one or more of a pH sensor, a glucose sensor, an oxygen sensor, a carbon dioxide sensor, and/or an optical density sensor.

11. The cartridge of any one of claims 1-10, further comprising one or more sampling ports.

12. The cartridge of any one of claims 1-11, wherein the tangential flow filter is at an angle of about 3 ° to about 20 ° with respect to horizontal.

13. The cartridge of any one of claims 1-12, wherein the flow controller is a flow restrictor.

14. The cartridge of any one of claims 1-13, wherein the flow controller is an additional pumping system.

15. The cartridge of any one of claims 1-14, wherein the flow controller is a system having a plurality of conduits.

16. A cartridge for an automated cell engineering system, comprising:

(a) a cell culture chamber;

(b) a pumping system in fluid connection with the cell culture chamber;

(c) a tangential flow filter in fluid connection with the pumping system, wherein the pumping system provides a retentate stream to the tangential flow filter, and wherein a permeate stream of the tangential flow filter is controlled by a flow controller;

(d) a satellite volume connected to the tangential flow filter;

(e) a fluidics path for recirculating the retentate stream back through the tangential flow filter;

(f) a fixed volume waste collection chamber fluidly connected to the tangential flow filter; and

(g) a cell sample output in fluid connection with the tangential flow filter.

17. The cartridge of claim 16, wherein the tangential flow filter has a pore size of about 0.40 μ ι η to about 0.80 μ ι η and a fiber diameter of about 0.5mm to about 0.9 mm.

18. The cartridge of claim 17, wherein the tangential flow filter has a pore size of about 0.60 μ ι η to about 0.70 μ ι η and a fiber diameter of about 0.70mm to about 0.80 mm.

19. The cartridge of any one of claims 16-18, wherein the tangential flow filter comprises a polymer selected from the group consisting of poly (ether sulfone), poly (acrylonitrile), and poly (vinylidene fluoride).

20. The cartridge of any one of claims 16-19, further comprising one or more fluidics pathways, wherein the fluidics pathways provide recirculation, waste removal and homogeneous gas exchange and nutrient distribution to the cell culture chamber without interfering with cells within the cell culture chamber.

21. The cartridge of any one of claims 16-20, wherein the cell culture chamber is a flat and inflexible chamber having a low chamber height.

22. The cartridge of any one of claims 16-21, further comprising one or more of a pH sensor, a glucose sensor, an oxygen sensor, a carbon dioxide sensor, and/or an optical density sensor.

23. The cartridge of any one of claims 16-22, further comprising one or more sampling ports.

24. The cartridge of any one of claims 16-23, wherein the tangential flow filter is at an angle of about 3 ° to about 20 ° with respect to horizontal.

25. The cartridge of any one of claims 16-24, wherein the flow controller is a flow restrictor.

26. The cartridge of any one of claims 16-25, wherein the flow controller is an additional pumping system.

27. The cartridge of any one of claims 16-26, wherein the flow controller is a system having a plurality of conduits.

28. A method of reducing cell sample volume during automated processing, the method comprising:

(a) introducing a cell sample into a tangential flow filter having a retentate stream and a permeate stream, wherein the permeate stream is controlled by a flow controller;

(b) passing the cell sample through the retentate stream of the tangential flow filter;

(c) removing volume from the cell sample by the permeate stream to a fixed volume waste collection chamber; and

(d) collecting the cell sample having a reduced volume.

29. The method of claim 28, further comprising recirculating the retentate stream after the removing a volume step to repeatedly pass the cell sample through the retentate stream.

30. The method of any one of claims 28-29, wherein the removal volume is stopped once the fixed volume waste collection chamber contains a desired volume.

31. The method of any one of claims 28-30, further comprising washing the cell sample after said collecting, and repeating steps (a) - (d) of the method.

32. The method of any one of claims 28-31, further comprising electroporating the cell sample after said collecting.

33. The method of any of claims 28-32, wherein the flow controller is a flow restrictor.

34. The method of any of claims 28-33, wherein the flow controller is an additional pumping system.

35. The method of any of claims 28-34, wherein the flow controller is a system having a plurality of conduits.

36. An automated cell engineering system, comprising:

(a) a closable housing;

(b) a cartridge contained within the closable housing, the cartridge comprising:

i. a cell culture chamber;

a pumping system in fluid connection with the cell culture chamber;

a tangential flow filter in fluid connection with the pumping system, wherein the pumping system provides a retentate stream to the tangential flow filter, and wherein a permeate stream of the tangential flow filter is controlled by a flow controller; and

a cell sample output in fluid connection with the tangential flow filter; and

(c) a user interface for receiving input from a user.

37. The automated cell engineering system of claim 36, wherein the tangential flow filter has a pore size of about 0.40 μ ι η to about 0.80 μ ι η and a fiber diameter of about 0.5mm to about 0.9 mm.

38. The automated cell engineering system of claim 37, wherein the tangential flow filter has a pore size of about 0.60 μ ι η to about 0.70 μ ι η and a fiber diameter of about 0.70mm to about 0.80 mm.

39. The automated cell engineering system of any one of claims 36-38, wherein the tangential flow filter comprises a polymer selected from the group consisting of poly (ether sulfone), poly (acrylonitrile), and poly (vinylidene fluoride).

40. The automated cell engineering system of any one of claims 36-39, further comprising a fixed volume waste collection chamber fluidly connected to the tangential flow filter.

41. The automated cell engineering system of any one of claims 36-40, further comprising a fluidics path for recirculating the retentate stream back through the tangential flow filter.

42. The automated cell engineering system of any one of claims 36-41, further comprising a satellite volume in fluid connection with the tangential flow filter.

43. The automated cell engineering system of any one of claims 36-42, further comprising one or more fluidics pathways, wherein the fluidics pathways provide recirculation, waste removal and homogeneous gas exchange and nutrient distribution to the cell culture chamber without interfering with cells within the cell culture chamber.

44. The automated cell engineering system of any one of claims 36-43, wherein the cell culture chamber is a flat and inflexible chamber having a low chamber height.

45. The automated cell engineering system of any one of claims 36-44, further comprising one or more of a pH sensor, a glucose sensor, an oxygen sensor, a carbon dioxide sensor, and/or an optical density sensor.

46. The automated cell engineering system of any one of claims 36-45, further comprising one or more sampling ports.

47. The automated cell engineering system of any one of claims 36-46, wherein the tangential flow filter is at an angle of about 3 ° to about 20 ° with respect to horizontal.

48. The automated cell engineering system of any one of claims 36-47, further comprising a computer control system, wherein the user interface is coupled with the computer control system to provide instructions to the automated cell engineering system.

49. The automated cell engineering system of any one of claims 36-48, wherein the flow controller is a flow restrictor.

50. The automated cell engineering system of any one of claims 36-48, wherein the flow controller is an add-on pumping system.

51. The automated cell engineering system of any one of claims 36-48, wherein the flow controller is a system having a plurality of tubes.

Technical Field

The present disclosure provides a cartridge for an automated cell engineering system comprising a cell concentration filter for reducing the fluid volume of a cell sample during or after an automated process. The disclosure also provides methods of concentrating a population of cells, and automated cell engineering systems that can utilize the cassettes and implement the methods.

Background

With the expected establishment of accelerated clinical adoption of advanced cell therapies, more attention has turned to potential manufacturing strategies that will benefit these therapies to patients worldwide. Although cell therapy holds great promise in the clinic, the high manufacturing costs associated with reimbursement are a significant barrier to commercialization. Thus, the need for cost effectiveness, process efficiency, and product consistency is driving efforts to automate many areas of cell therapy.

Automation of various processes involves the production of cell populations for therapy. This includes integration of cell activation, transduction, and expansion into a commercial manufacturing platform for the application of these important therapies to a wide range of patient populations.

It is often desirable to reduce the volume of the cell population during automated processing or prior to final output from an automated system. What is needed is a process that can concentrate a cell sample, i.e., reduce the volume of the sample during automation or prior to sample output.

Disclosure of Invention

In some embodiments, provided herein is a cartridge for an automated cell engineering system comprising a cell culture chamber, a pumping system in fluid connection with the cell culture chamber, a tangential flow filter in fluid connection with the pumping system, wherein the pumping system provides a retentate stream to the tangential flow filter, and wherein a permeate stream of the tangential flow filter is controlled by a flow controller; and a cell sample output in fluid connection with the tangential flow filter.

In a further embodiment, provided herein is a cartridge for an automated cell engineering system comprising a cell culture chamber, a pumping system in fluid connection with the cell culture chamber, a tangential flow filter in fluid connection with the pumping system, wherein the pumping system provides a retentate stream to the tangential flow filter, and wherein a permeate stream of the tangential flow filter is controlled by a flow controller; an auxiliary volume connected to the tangential flow filter; a fluidics path for recirculating the retentate stream back through the tangential flow filter; a fixed volume waste collection chamber fluidly connected to the tangential flow filter; and a cell sample output in fluid connection with the tangential flow filter.

In a further embodiment, provided herein is a method of reducing the volume of a cell sample during automated processing, the method comprising introducing the cell sample into a tangential flow filter having a retentate stream and a permeate stream, wherein the permeate stream is controlled by a flow controller; passing the cell sample through a retentate stream of a tangential flow filter; removing volume from the cell sample by a permeate stream to a fixed volume waste collection chamber; and collecting the cell sample having a reduced volume.

In a still further embodiment, provided herein is an automated cell engineering system comprising a closable housing, a cassette contained within the closable housing, the cassette comprising a cell culture chamber, a pumping system fluidly connected to the cell culture chamber, a tangential flow filter fluidly connected to the pumping system, wherein the pumping system provides a retentate stream to the tangential flow filter, and wherein a permeate stream of the tangential flow filter is controlled by a flow controller, and a cell sample output fluidly connected to the tangential flow filter; and a user interface for receiving input from a user.

Drawings

FIG. 1 shows various steps that may be performed with a cassette of an automated cell engineering system as described in an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2A shows an exemplary cassette according to an embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 2B shows an exemplary tangential flow filter for use in the cartridges, systems, and methods described herein.

Fig. 2C shows an exemplary flow controller for use with the tangential flow filter described herein.

FIGS. 3A and 3B show images of an automated cell engineering system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 shows a laboratory space containing an exemplary cell engineering system as described in embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 5 shows a flow for cell concentration in a cassette of an automated cell engineering system as described in an embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 6A-6B show the effect of serum on tangential flow filtration according to embodiments of the present invention.

Figures 7A-7C illustrate the use of permeate control to reduce clogging of a tangential flow filter according to embodiments of the present invention.

Figures 8A-8B show a volume reduction of Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells (PBMCs) using tangential flow filtration according to embodiments of the present invention.

Fig. 9A-9D show permeate pump optimization during tangential flow volume reduction of PMBC in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10A shows cell recovery after tangential flow filtration according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 10B shows cell viability before and after tangential flow filtration according to embodiments of the invention.

Figure 11 shows CD4+ and CD8+ expression in control and TFF cell suspensions.

Detailed Description

It should be understood that the particular embodiments shown and described herein are examples and are not intended to otherwise limit the scope of the application in any way.

The published patents, patent applications, websites, company names, and scientific literature referred to herein are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety as if each were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. Any conflict between any reference cited herein and the specific teachings of this specification shall be resolved in favor of the latter. Also, any conflict between a definition of a word or phrase, as understood in the art, and a definition of the word or phrase as specifically taught in the present specification shall be resolved in favor of the latter.

As used in this specification, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" also encompass the plural forms of the terms to which they refer, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The term "about" is used herein to mean approximately, within. When the term "about" is used in conjunction with a numerical range, it modifies that range by extending the upper and lower limits of the stated number. In general, the term "about" is used herein to modify a numerical value that is 20% above or below the stated value.

Unless defined otherwise, technical and scientific terms used herein have the meaning commonly understood by one of skill in the art to which this application belongs. Reference is made herein to various methods and materials known to those skilled in the art.

In embodiments, provided herein are cassettes for automated cell engineering systems. Fig. 1 shows an exemplary cassette 102 in which various processes may be performed in a closed, automated system that allows for the production of various cell samples and populations. Such processes may include activation, transduction, amplification, concentration, washing, and collection/harvesting steps.

As described herein, the cassettes and methods are used and performed in a fully enclosed automated cell engineering system 300 (see fig. 3A, 3B), suitably with instructions thereon for performing steps such as activation, transduction, amplification, concentration, and harvesting. Cell engineering systems for automated production of, e.g., genetically modified immune cells, including CAR T cells, are described in us patent application No. 16/119,618 filed on 31/8/2018 (the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety), also referred to herein as automated cell engineering systems, cooon^TMOr COCOON^TMProvided is a system.

For example, a user may provide an automated cell engineering system pre-filled with cell cultures and reagents (e.g., activation reagents, carriers, cell culture media, nutrients, selection reagents, etc.) and parameters for cell production (e.g., starting number of cells, type of media, type of activation reagents, type of carriers, number of cells or dose to be produced, etc.). The automated cell engineering system is capable of performing various automated methods, including methods of producing genetically modified immune cell cultures (including CAR T cells), without further input from a user. In some embodiments, a fully enclosed automated cell engineering system minimizes contamination of cell cultures by reducing exposure of cell cultures to non-sterile environments. In further embodiments, a fully enclosed automated cell engineering system minimizes contamination of cell cultures by reducing user handling of cells.

As described herein, the automated cell engineering system 300 suitably includes a cassette 102. Thus, in an embodiment, provided herein is a cartridge for an automated cell engineering system. As used herein, "cassette" refers to a generally independent, removable and replaceable element of an automated cell engineering system that includes one or more chambers for performing various elements of the methods described herein, and suitably also includes one or more cell media, activation reagents, wash media, and the like.

Fig. 2A shows an exemplary cassette 102 for use in an automated cell engineering system. In an embodiment, the cartridge 102 includes a cell sample input 202. Cell sample input 202 is shown in fig. 2A as a vial or chamber in which a cell sample may be placed prior to introduction or loading into cartridge 102. In other embodiments, the cell sample input 202 may simply be a sterile locked tubing (e.g., luer lock tubing connection, etc.) that may be connected to a syringe or a bag containing cells, such as a blood bag.

The cassette 102 further includes a cell culture chamber 206. Examples of features and uses of cell culture chamber 206 are described herein. Cassette 102 also includes a pumping system 520 (see exemplary locations in the flow chart of fig. 5) in fluid connection with cell culture chamber 206.

As used herein, "fluidly connected" means that one or more components of the system, such as components of cassette 102, are connected by a suitable element that allows fluids (including gases and liquids) to pass between the components without leaking or losing volume. Exemplary fluid connections include various tubing, channels, and connections known in the art, such as silicone or rubber tubing, luer lock connections, and the like. It should be understood that fluidly connected components may also include additional elements between each component while still maintaining a fluid connection. That is, the fluidly connected components may include additional elements such that fluid passing between the components may also pass through these additional elements, but need not do so.

The pumping system 520 is suitably a peristaltic pump system, although other pumping systems may be used. Peristaltic pumps refer to a type of positive displacement pump used to pump fluids. The fluid is suitably contained in a hose mounted within the pump housing-typically circular. The rotor compression hose has a plurality of "rollers", "shoes", "blades" or "blades" attached to the outer circumference of the rotor. As the rotor rotates, the pressurized tube portion is squeezed shut (or "occluded") thereby forcing the fluid to be pumped through the tube. In addition, when the cam opens ("recovers" or "rebounds") through the back tube, fluid flow is directed into the pump. This process is known as peristalsis and is used to move fluid through a hose. Typically, there are two or more rollers or scrapers that plug the tube, trapping a large amount of fluid between them. The bulk fluid is then delivered to the pump outlet.

The cassette 102 also includes a tangential flow filter 204 fluidly connected to the pumping system. Fig. 2B shows an exemplary tangential flow filter. Figure 2C shows a schematic of the interior of a tangential flow filter. Tangential flow filtration, also known as cross-flow filtration, is a filtration system or process in which a feed, inlet, or input fluid stream (250 in fig. 2C) passes parallel to the membrane face as a portion passes through and exits the membrane (permeate stream-252 in fig. 2C), while the remaining portion (retentate stream-254 in fig. 2C) passes within the membrane and can be recycled back to the input, become concentrated, and ultimately can be passed to storage or output.

The tangential flow filter 204 is suitably comprised of a series of hollow fiber membranes into which the solution is fed (although a single fiber may also be used). The retentate stream passes within the hollow fibers, retaining the cells in solution inside the fiber membranes, while the excess volume passes through the fiber membranes and exits into the permeate stream. This reduces the volume of the total cell sample, resulting in concentration of the cell sample. The membrane is suitably provided in the form of a stand-alone device, which may include a flow controller 258.

As described herein, with reference to fig. 2C, a pumping system 520 provides a retentate stream 254 to the tangential flow filter 204, while a permeate stream 252 to the tangential flow filter is controlled by the flow controller 258. As used herein, "flow controller" refers to valves, compression devices, flow diverters, pump mechanisms, fluidics-including various plumbing arrangements or other mechanisms to control the amount of fluid that exits the fiber membranes of the tangential flow filter and enters the permeate stream. The flow controller 258 in fig. 2C is provided for illustrative purposes only to include a mechanism for controlling the amount of the permeate stream 252 and does not represent the structure of the mechanism.

In the exemplary embodiment, flow controller 258 is a flow restrictor 260. "flow restrictor" refers to a valve, narrowing conduit, or constriction device to control the amount and rate of permeate stream 252 exiting the tangential flow filter. The flow restrictor 260 is placed downstream of the tangential flow filter 204 such that control of the permeate flow occurs after energizing the membranes of the tangential flow filter 204. The flow restrictor 260 is shown in fig. 2C for illustrative purposes only, and the position and operation of the flow restrictor 260 is not limited by the depiction in fig. 2C. One of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate the various ways in which the flow restrictor may be used to control the amount and rate of the permeate stream 252. Suitably, a flow restrictor 260 is positioned adjacent to an end 262 of the tangential flow filter 204 (see fig. 2B) to limit the amount and rate of the permeate stream 252.

In a further embodiment, the flow controller 258 is an additional pumping system that can be configured to control and limit (or increase) the amount and rate of the permeate stream 252.

In still further embodiments, the flow controller 258 is a system having multiple conduits that may also be oriented and placed within the cartridge 102 to provide the desired control (limit or increase) of the amount and rate of the permeate stream 252.

In embodiments, the cassette 102 further comprises one or more fluidics paths (see the interior of the cassette 102 in fig. 2A) suitably connected to the cell culture chambers. Also included in the cartridge 102 is a cell sample output 208 that is fluidly connected to the cell culture chamber. The cartridge 102 also suitably includes a cell sample output 208 fluidly connected to the tangential flow filter 204.

As described herein, the cell sample output 208 can be used to harvest cells according to various automated procedures for further processing, storage, or potential use in a patient. The cell sample output 208 may also be a sample port 220 as described herein that allows the cell sample to be removed from the cartridge, e.g., for transduction such as electroporation, and then returned to the cartridge for further automated processing. Examples of fluidics pathways include various conduits, channels, capillaries, microfluidic elements, etc., which provide nutrients, solutions, etc., to the elements of the cartridge, as described herein. The cell sample output 208 may also simply be the output of a tangential flow filter, which is then fluidly connected to another section or portion of the cartridge 102 as described herein.

In an embodiment, cartridge 102 specifically excludes centrifuges that precede or follow tangential flow filter 204. It has been determined that by using the various cell separation filters and methods described herein, additional cell separation by centrifugation procedures and using a centrifuge is not necessary. However, in embodiments, additional filtration systems may be used, such as column filtration and/or magnetic filtration systems.

In an exemplary embodiment, the tangential flow filter 204 comprises a membrane having a pore size of about 0.40 μm to about 0.80 μm and a fiber diameter of about 0.5mm to about 0.9 mm. In embodiments, the pore size of the tangential flow filter 204 is from about 0.2 μm to about 1.0 μm, or from about 0.3 μm to about 0.9 μm, from about 0.4 μm to about 0.8 μm, from about 0.5 μm to about 0.7 μm, from about 0.6 μm to about 0.7 μm, or about 0.40 μm, about 0.45 μm, about 0.50 μm, about 0.55 μm, about 0.60 μm, about 0.65 μm, about 0.70 μm, about 0.75 μm, or about 0.80 μm. In embodiments, the fiber diameter is from about 0.30mm to about 1.2mm, suitably from about 0.40mm to about 1.0mm, from about 0.50mm to about 0.90mm, from about 0.60mm to about 0.80mm, from about 0.70mm to about 0.80mm, or about 0.60mm, about 0.65mm, about 0.70mm, about 0.75mm, about 0.80mm, about 0.85mm, or about 0.90 mm.

Suitably, the tangential flow filter 204 comprises about 15-20 fibers, suitably 18 filters, having a total length of fiber lumens of about 10-20cm, suitably about 10-15cm or about 13 cm. The surface area of the fibers is in the order of about 40-70cm²Is more suitable forAbout 50-60cm²Or about 57cm². In an embodiment, it is desirable to use a relatively high surface area, large pore size membrane in the tangential flow filter 204.

Exemplary materials for tangential flow filter 204 include polymers including, but not limited to, poly (ether sulfone), poly (acrylonitrile), and poly (vinylidene fluoride), cellulose esters, poly (sulfone). Exemplary tangential flow filters include those available from SPECTRUMThose obtained, includingAndfilters, and their variants, to fit within the desired cartridge. In an embodiment, the material is a modified poly (ether sulfone).

In a further embodiment, the coating may be applied to the surface of the tangential flow filter. Suitably, the coating may help reduce or eliminate fouling on the surface of the tangential flow filter 204. Exemplary anti-fouling coatings include, for example, phospholipid coatings, polymeric coatings such as poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA), poly (ethylene glycol) coatings, and the like. Additional surface coatings may also be applied to the tangential flow filter to provide stability, increased or decreased flow, or other desired characteristics.

In further embodiments, additional pre-filters and post-filters (i.e., before or after the tangential flow filter) may also be used in the cartridges and methods described herein. For example, magnetic separation processes can be used to further eliminate and separate unwanted cells and debris from a population of cells. In such embodiments, magnetic beads or other structures to which biomolecules (e.g., antibodies, antibody fragments, etc.) have been bound can interact with the target cells. Various magnetic separation methods may then be used, including the use of filters, columns, flow tubes or channels (with magnetic fields), etc., to separate the target cell population from undesired cells, debris, etc., that may be present in the cell sample. For example, the target cell population can flow through a tube or other structure and be exposed to a magnetic field, such that the target cell population is retained or intercepted by the magnetic field, allowing undesired cells and debris to pass through the tube. The magnetic field can then be turned off, allowing the target cell population to be transferred to further retention chambers or other areas of the cassette for further automated processing. Additional filtration may include conventional column filtration, or the use of other filtration membranes and structures.

In a further embodiment, the cartridge 102 further comprises a fixed volume waste collection chamber 510 fluidly connected to the tangential flow filter 204. The fixed volume waste collection chamber 510 is used to collect the permeate stream 252 exiting the tangential flow filter. By using a fixed volume, the fixed volume waste collection chamber is allowed to hold only a predetermined amount of the collected permeate stream 252. Once this predetermined amount of permeate stream 252 is reached, no additional permeate stream 252 is allowed to exit the tangential flow filter 204 and thus the volume of the cell sample will not be further reduced. This results in cell concentrations and cell sample volumes having predefined and known values, e.g. predefined to meet the final target or for further processing of the defined volume. Examples of fixed volume waste collection chamber 510 include various hard plastics, metals, etc. that do not expand and therefore only maintain a fixed volume. Further, a bag or soft plastic may be used, but may be placed inside a hard plastic container or between fixed walls (e.g., plastic walls) such that once the bag reaches a predetermined volume, it hits the fixed wall or container and the expansion of the bag ceases. When the fixed volume waste collection chamber 510 is full of capacity, no additional permeate stream 252 is allowed to exit, and then the retentate stream 254 is only recirculated through the tangential flow filter until such time as collection is desired. Suitably, this recirculation occurs via a fluidics path (i.e., shown generally as 540 in the flow chart of fig. 5). The fixed volume waste collection chamber 510 can also include a level monitor that will trigger and direct the permeate stream 252 to stop and recycle the retentate stream 254.

In further embodiments, an accessory volume 550 that may provide additional storage capacity for the cartridge to increase the total volume of the automated process or additional volumetric flow for tangential flow filtration is fluidly connected to the tangential flow filter 204. An exemplary location of the satellite volume 550 is shown in the flow chart of fig. 5.

The cassette may further include one or more fluidics paths (generally 540) that provide recirculation, waste removal and homogeneous gas exchange and nutrient distribution to various portions of the cassette including the cell culture chamber without disturbing the cells within the cell culture chamber. The cassette 102 may further include one or more valves 522 or 552 for controlling flow through the various fluidics paths (see exemplary locations within the flow chart in fig. 5).

In an exemplary embodiment, as shown in fig. 2A, cell culture chamber 206 is a flat and inflexible chamber (i.e., made of a substantially inflexible material such as plastic) that does not readily bend or contract. The use of a non-flexible chamber allows the cells to remain in a substantially undisturbed state. As shown in fig. 2A, cell culture chamber 206 is oriented so as to allow the immune cell culture to spread across the bottom of the cell culture chamber. As shown in fig. 2A, cell culture chamber 206 is suitably held in a position parallel to the floor or table, maintaining the cell culture in an undisturbed state, allowing the cell culture to spread over a large area of the bottom of the cell culture chamber. In an embodiment, the total thickness of the cell culture chamber 206 (i.e., the chamber height) is low, on the order of about 0.5cm to about 5 cm. Suitably, the volume of the cell culture chamber is from about 0.50ml to about 300ml, more suitably from about 50ml to about 200ml, or the cell culture chamber has a volume of about 180 ml. The use of low chamber heights (less than 5cm, suitably less than 4cm, less than 3cm or less than 2cm) allows for efficient exchange of media and gas in the vicinity of the cells. The port is configured to allow mixing by recirculation of the fluid without disturbing the cells. Static vessels of greater height can create concentration gradients resulting in oxygen and fresh nutrients being restricted in the area near the cells. By controlled flow dynamics, media exchange can be performed without cell interference. The medium can be removed from the additional chamber (without the presence of cells) without the risk of cell loss.

As described herein, in exemplary embodiments, the cartridge is pre-filled with one or more of a cell culture, a culture medium, a cell wash medium (if desired), an activation reagent, and/or a carrier, including any combination of these. In further embodiments, these various elements may be added later through a suitable injection port or the like.

As described herein, in embodiments, the cartridge suitably further comprises one or more of a pH sensor 524, a glucose sensor (not shown), an oxygen sensor 526, a carbon dioxide sensor (not shown), a lactate sensor/monitor (not shown), and/or an optical density sensor (not shown). See exemplary locations within the flow chart in fig. 5. The cartridge may also include one or more sampling ports and/or injection ports. Examples of such sampling ports 220 and injection ports 222 are shown in exemplary locations in the flow paths shown in fig. 2A and 5, and may include access ports for connecting the cartridge to external devices such as an electroporation cell or an additional media source. Fig. 2A also shows the locations of input 202, reagent warming bag 224, which can be used to warm cell media and the like, and secondary chamber 230.

In an embodiment, the cassette 102 suitably comprises a cryogenic chamber, which may include a refrigerated area 226 suitable for storing cell culture media, and a high temperature chamber suitable for performing activation, transduction, and/or expansion of cell cultures. Suitably, the high temperature chamber is separated from the low temperature chamber by a thermal barrier. As used herein, "cryogenic chamber" refers to a chamber suitably maintained at below room temperature, and more suitably at about 4 ℃ to about 8 ℃, for maintaining cell media and the like at refrigerated temperatures. The cryogenic chamber may include a bag or other holder for media that includes about 1L, about 2L, about 3L, about 4L, or about 5L of fluid. Additional media bags or other fluid sources may be externally connected to the cassette and connected to the cassette through the access port.

As used herein, a "high temperature chamber" refers to a chamber suitably maintained at a temperature above room temperature, and more suitably maintained at a temperature that allows for cell proliferation and growth, i.e., about 35-40 ℃ and more suitably about 37 ℃. In an embodiment, the high temperature chamber suitably comprises a cell culture chamber 206 (also referred to as a proliferation chamber or cell proliferation chamber).

In an embodiment, the tangential flow filter 204 is suitably aligned in the cartridge 102 such that the tangential flow filter is at an angle of about 3 ° to about 20 ° with respect to horizontal, more suitably at an angle of about 5 ° to about 15 ° or about 10 ° with respect to horizontal (the outlet end of the tangential flow filter 204 is above/above the inlet end). The tangential flow filter 204 is aligned at an angle relative to horizontal (with the outlet end (i.e., 262) of the tangential flow filter above the input end) is desirable to provide the desired flow characteristics to produce improved volume reduction and cell concentration by the tangential flow filter 204.

The tangential flow filter is aligned at an angle of about 3 ° to about 20 ° with respect to horizontal also provides the advantage that cell sensitization (or gravity sedimentation) can be reduced or avoided. Using such angles allows the cells to tumble out of the suspension as they flow down the tangential flow filter.

In embodiments, the cartridge 102 may also include a cell washing system 512 suitably contained within the cartridge 102 (i.e., within the configuration shown in fig. 2A) and fluidly connected to the tangential flow filter 204, or may be connected to other sections within the cartridge, depending on whether it is desired to wash the cells. In an embodiment, the cell washing system 512 is a container or bag contained within the cassette 102 that suitably includes a cell washing medium. The cell wash medium is suitably used to clean the desired cell population to remove any unwanted waste cells or contaminants prior to transferring the cell population into or out of the cassette for further processing or use. The cell washing system 512 may also be included outside of the cassette 102.

The cassette 102 may further optionally include a cell holding chamber 516 (not visible in fig. 2 because it is located within the cassette 102). Fig. 5 shows an exemplary position of the cell holding chamber 516 in the flow of the cassette. The cell holding chamber 516 is suitably a reservoir or suitable chamber within the cartridge in which the cell population can be held before or after tangential flow filtration, as described herein.

In further embodiments, provided herein is a cartridge 102 for an automated cell engineering system 300, suitably comprising a cell culture chamber 206, a pumping system 520 in fluid connection with the cell culture chamber, and a tangential flow filter 204 in fluid connection with the pumping system. As described herein, the pumping system provides a retentate stream to the tangential flow filter and a permeate stream flowing tangentially through the filter is controlled by the flow controller. The cartridge further comprises an auxiliary volume 550 coupled to the tangential flow filter, a fluidics path 540 for recirculating the retentate stream back through the tangential flow filter, a fixed volume waste collection chamber 510 fluidly coupled to the tangential flow filter, and a cell sample output 208 fluidly coupled to the tangential flow filter.

Exemplary pore sizes and fiber diameters for the tangential flow filter 204 are described herein. In embodiments, the tangential flow filter has a pore size of about 0.40 μm to about 0.80 μm and a fiber diameter of about 0.5mm to about 0.9mm, including a pore size of about 0.60 μm to about 0.70 μm and a fiber diameter of about 0.70mm to about 0.80 mm.

Materials suitable for use in tangential flow filters include polymers such as, but not limited to, poly (ether sulfone), poly (acrylonitrile), and poly (vinylidene fluoride).

In an exemplary embodiment, the cassette 102 further includes one or more fluidics paths, wherein the fluidics paths provide recirculation, waste removal and homogeneous gas exchange and nutrient distribution to the cell culture chambers without disturbing the cells within the cell culture chambers. In an embodiment, the cell culture chamber is a flat and inflexible chamber with a low chamber height.

The cartridge 102 may further include one or more of a pH sensor, a glucose sensor, an oxygen sensor, a carbon dioxide sensor, and/or an optical density sensor, and may also include one or more sampling ports, as described herein.

In an embodiment, the tangential flow filter is positioned within the cartridge 102 at an angle of about 3 ° to about 20 ° relative to horizontal.

As described herein, the flow controller may be a flow restrictor, an additional pumping system, a system with multiple conduits, or a combination of such controllers.

FIGS. 3A-3B showAutomated cell engineering system 300, in which cassette 102 is located inside (in fig. 3B the lid of the automated cell engineering system is open). Also shown is an exemplary user interface, which mayIncluding bar code readers, and the ability to receive usage input through a touch pad or other similar device.

The automated cell engineering systems and cassettes described herein suitably have three relevant volumes, a cell culture chamber volume, a run volume, and a total volume. Suitably, the run volume used in the cartridge ranges from 180mL to 460mL based on the process step, and may increase up to about 500mL, about 600mL, about 700mL, about 800mL, about 900mL, or about 1L. In an embodiment, the cartridge can easily be implemented 4x10⁹Cell-10 x10⁹And (4) cells. Cell concentration during the process was from 0.3 x10⁶From about 10 x10 cells/ml to⁶Individual cells/ml varied. The cells are located in the cell culture chamber, but the media is continuously recirculated through additional chambers (e.g., cross-flow reservoirs and satellite volumes) to increase the run volume, as described herein.

The fluidics path including the gas exchange line may be made of a gas permeable material, such as, for example, silica gel. In some embodiments, an automated cell engineering system recirculates oxygen throughout a substantially rigid chamber during a cell production process. Thus, in some embodiments, the oxygen level of the cell culture in the automated cell engineering system is higher than the oxygen level of the cell culture in the flexible gas permeable bag. Higher oxygen levels may be important in the cell culture expansion step, as increased oxygen levels may support an increase in cell growth and proliferation.

In a further embodiment, provided herein is a method of reducing the volume of a cell sample during automated processing. The methods provided herein are described with reference to the flow chart of fig. 5, which is for illustrative purposes only, and should not be taken as limiting the manner in which such methods can be performed. For example, a cell sample may be introduced into the cartridge 102 through the input 202. In other embodiments, the cell sample may already be within the cartridge 102, e.g., after a transduction or cell expansion phase, e.g., in the cell culture chamber 206. The cell sample is introduced 250 into the tangential flow filter 204, for example by passing through valve V11. The tangential flow filter has a retentate stream 254 and a permeate stream 252 (see fig. 2C). The permeate stream 252 is controlled by a flow controller 258 to provide the desired cell concentration and volume reduction, as described herein. The cell sample is passed through a retentate stream 254 while a volume is removed from the cell sample by a permeate stream 252. Suitably, the permeate stream 252 is removed to the fixed volume waste collection chamber 510 by passing through valves v1 and v13 (although valve v13 may be eliminated, if desired). Once the desired volume reduction is achieved, a cell sample having a reduced volume is collected to output 208, suitably by passing through valves V1 and V10. In other embodiments, a cell sample having a reduced volume can be collected in, for example, the cell holding chamber 516 prior to further automated processing or removal from the cartridge.

The retentate stream 254 is suitably recirculated after the volume removal step to repeatedly pass the cell sample through the retentate stream 254, as described herein. For example, retentate stream 254 can exit tangential flow filter 204, pass through valves V1, V12, and V11, and return to tangential flow filter 204.

In embodiments utilizing a fixed volume waste collection chamber 510, once the fixed volume of waste is reached, this will also force the cell sample back through the tangential flow filter (e.g., through valves V14, V12, and V11), but will not allow any additional volume to be removed, as the removal volume is suitably stopped once the fixed volume waste collection chamber contains the desired volume.

In further embodiments, after the initial collection of the cell sample, the sample can be washed using the cell washing system 512, and then the volume reduction method can be repeated. Cell washing system 512 can be connected to cell holding chamber 516, for example, by valve V4, and the wash solution forced into the holding chamber by closing valves V12 and V11.

The methods described herein may further include additional steps including, for example, electroporation of the cell sample after collection following tangential flow filtration. This may occur through an internal (i.e., with the cartridge 102) or external electroporation system. Additional transduction steps may also be performed after collection following tangential flow filtration.

As described herein, the method suitably utilizes a flow controller, which may be a flow restrictor, an additional pumping system, a system with multiple conduits, or a combination of such controllers.

In embodiments, the methods and cartridges described herein are used forPlatform (Octane Biotech, inston, ontario)) that integrates multiple unit operations in a single turn-up platform. Multiple cell protocols provide very specific cell processing goals. To provide efficient and effective automated translation, the described method utilizes the concept of application specific/sponsor specific disposable cartridges in conjunction with multiple unit operations-all focusing on the core requirements of the final cell therapy product. Multiple automated cell engineering systems 300 may be integrated together into one large multi-unit operation for producing large volumes of cells or multiple different cell samples for individual patients (see fig. 4).

Also shown in fig. 5 are exemplary locations for various sensors (e.g., pH sensor 524, dissolved oxygen sensor 526) as well as sampling/sample ports and various valves (including bypass check valve 552) and one or more fluidics paths 540, which suitably include a silicone-based tubing assembly to which the assembly is connected. As described herein, the use of a silica gel-based tubing assembly allows for oxygenation through the tubing assembly to facilitate gas transfer and optimal oxygenation of the cell culture. Also shown in fig. 5 is the use of one or more hydrophobic filters 554 or hydrophilic filters 556 in the flow path of the cartridge.

In further embodiments, provided herein is an automated cell engineering system 300. As shown in fig. 3A and 3B, the automated cell engineering system 300 suitably includes a closable housing 302 and a cassette 102 contained within the closable housing. As used herein, "closable enclosure" refers to a structure that can be opened and closed, and in which the cassette 102 as described herein can be placed and integrated with various components such as fluid supply lines, gas supply lines, power supplies, cooling connections, heating connections, and the like. As shown in fig. 3A and 3B, the closable enclosure can be opened (fig. 3B) to allow insertion of the cassette and closed (fig. 3A) to maintain a closed, sealed environment to allow for the various automated processes described herein to be performed with the cassette.

Cassette 102 suitably includes cell culture chamber 206, pumping system 520 in fluid connection with the cell culture chamber, and tangential flow filter 204 in fluid connection with the pumping system, as described herein. As described herein, the pumping system provides a retentate stream to the tangential flow filter and the permeate stream through the tangential flow filter is controlled by the flow controller. The cartridge 102 also suitably includes a cell sample output 208 in fluid connection with the tangential flow filter.

As shown in fig. 3A-3B, the automated cell engineering system 300 further includes a user interface 304 for receiving input from a user. The user interface 304 may be a touch pad, tablet, keyboard, computer terminal, or other suitable interface that allows a user to input desired controls and criteria to the automated cell engineering system to control automated processes and flows. Suitably, the user interface is coupled to a computer control system to provide instructions to the automated cell engineering system and to control the overall activities of the automated cell engineering system. Such instructions may include when to open and close various valves, when to provide a medium or cell population, when to raise or lower temperatures, and the like.

Exemplary features of pore size and fiber diameter of the tangential flow filter 204 for use in an automated cell engineering system are described herein, and in embodiments, the tangential flow filter has a pore size of about 0.40 μm to about 0.80 μm and a fiber diameter of about 0.5mm to about 0.9mm, suitable pore sizes are about 0.60 μm to about 0.70 μm, and fiber diameters are about 0.70mm to about 0.80 mm. Polymers suitable for use in tangential flow filters are described herein and include poly (ether sulfone), poly (acrylonitrile), and poly (vinylidene fluoride).

In an embodiment, the cartridge in an automated cell engineering system further comprises a fixed volume waste collection chamber 510 in fluid connection with the tangential flow filter 204. In an embodiment, the cassette 102 of the automated cell engineering system 300 further comprises one or more fluidics pathways 540, wherein the fluidics pathways provide recirculation, waste removal and homogeneous gas exchange and nutrient distribution to the cell culture chamber 206 without disturbing the cells within the cell culture chamber. In an embodiment, the cell culture chamber is a flat and inflexible chamber with a low chamber height. A fluidics path may also be included for recirculating the retentate stream back through the tangential flow filter. The cartridge may also include a satellite volume 550 in fluid connection with the tangential flow filter.

In an embodiment of an automated cell engineering system, the cassette 102 is pre-filled with culture media, cell washing media, and the like. As described herein, in embodiments, the cartridge of the automated cell engineering system may further comprise one or more of a pH sensor 524, a glucose sensor, an oxygen sensor 526, a carbon dioxide sensor, and/or an optical density sensor, and in suitable embodiments one or more sampling ports.

Example flow controllers are described herein, including flow restrictors, additional pumping systems, and systems having multiple conduits. In embodiments, the tangential flow filter is at an angle of about 3 ° to about 20 ° relative to horizontal within the cartridge.

Automation of unit operations in cell therapy production provides opportunities for widespread advantages throughout allogeneic and autologous cell therapy applications. In the unique context of patient-specific autologous cell production, and the clinical success of these therapies is even more emphasized, the advantages of automation are particularly compelling due to the significant micro-batch complexity of small-batch GMP compliance, economics, patient traceability, and early identification of process deviations. The related advent of complex manufacturing schemes calls attention to the following facts: the value of end-to-end integration of automated unit operations in micro-batch cell production has not been a significant point of research. However, the anticipated demand for these therapies immediately after they are approved indicates that implementing a fully closed end-to-end system can provide an urgent solution to manufacturing bottlenecks such as hand-off time and footprint.

Developers of advanced therapies are encouraged to consider automation early in the promotion of clinical translation and expansion of clinical trial protocols. Early automation can impact solution development, avoid the need for comparable research when switching from manual to automated processes at a later time, and provide a better understanding of long-term commercial routes.

In an exemplary embodiment, the automated cell engineering system described herein comprises a plurality of chambers, and wherein each step of the various methods described herein is performed in a different chamber of the plurality of chambers of the automated cell engineering system, prior to starting the method, each of the activation reagent, the carrier, and the cell culture medium is contained in a different chamber of the plurality of chambers, and wherein at least one of the plurality of chambers is maintained at a temperature for growing cells (e.g., at about 37 ℃) and at least one of the plurality of chambers is maintained at a refrigerated temperature (e.g., at about 4-8 ℃).

In embodiments, the automated cell engineering systems described herein are monitored with a temperature sensor, a pH sensor, a glucose sensor, an oxygen sensor, a carbon dioxide sensor, and/or an optical density sensor. Thus, in some embodiments, the automated cell engineering system comprises one or more of a temperature sensor, a pH sensor, a glucose sensor, an oxygen sensor, a carbon dioxide sensor, and/or an optical density sensor. In further embodiments, the automated cell engineering system is configured to adjust the temperature, pH, glucose, oxygen level, carbon dioxide level, and/or optical density of the cell culture based on a predefined culture size. For example, if the automated cell engineering system detects that the current oxygen level of the cell culture is too low to achieve the necessary growth for the desired cell culture size, the automated cell engineering system will automatically increase the oxygen level of the cell culture, for example, by introducing oxygenated cell culture medium, by replacing the cell culture medium with oxygenated cell culture medium, or by flowing the cell culture medium through an oxygenation assembly (i.e., a silica gel tubing). In another example, if the automated cell engineering system detects that the current temperature of the cell culture is too high and the cells are growing too fast (e.g., possible overcrowding of the cells may lead to undesirable characteristics), the automated cell engineering system will automatically reduce the temperature of the cell culture to maintain a steady growth rate (or exponential growth rate, as needed) of the cells. In still further embodiments, the automated cell engineering system automatically adjusts the schedule of cell feeding (i.e., provides fresh media and/or nutrients to the cell culture) based on the rate of cell growth and/or cell count or other monitored factors such as pH, oxygen, glucose, etc. An automated cell engineering system can be configured to store media (and other reagents, such as wash solutions, etc.) in a low temperature chamber (e.g., 4 ℃ or-20 ℃) and to warm the media in a room temperature chamber or a high temperature chamber (e.g., 25 ℃ or 37 ℃, respectively) prior to introducing the warm media into the cell culture.

Further exemplary embodiments

Embodiment 1 is a cartridge for an automated cell engineering system comprising a cell culture chamber, a pumping system in fluid connection with the cell culture chamber, a tangential flow filter in fluid connection with the pumping system, wherein the pumping system provides a retentate stream to the tangential flow filter, and wherein a permeate stream of the tangential flow filter is controlled by a flow controller, and a cell sample output in fluid connection with the tangential flow filter.

Embodiment 2 includes the cartridge of embodiment 1, wherein the tangential flow filter has a pore size of about 0.40 μ ι η to about 0.80 μ ι η and a fiber diameter of about 0.5mm to about 0.9 mm.

Embodiment 3 includes the cartridge of embodiment 2, wherein the tangential flow filter has a pore size of about 0.60 μ ι η to about 0.70 μ ι η and a fiber diameter of about 0.70mm to about 0.80 mm.

Embodiment 4 includes the cartridge of any of embodiments 1-3, wherein the tangential flow filter comprises a polymer selected from the group consisting of poly (ether sulfone), poly (acrylonitrile), and poly (vinylidene fluoride).

Embodiment 5 includes the cartridge of any of embodiments 1-4, further comprising a fixed volume waste collection chamber in fluid connection with the tangential flow filter.

Embodiment 6 includes the cartridge of any of embodiments 1-5, further comprising a fluidics path for recirculating the retentate stream back through the tangential flow filter.

Embodiment 7 includes the cartridge of any one of embodiments 1-6, further comprising a satellite volume fluidly connected to the tangential flow filter.

Embodiment 8 includes the cartridge of any one of embodiments 1-7, further comprising one or more fluidics pathways, wherein the fluidics pathways provide recirculation, waste removal and homogeneous gas exchange and nutrient distribution to the cell culture chamber without interfering with cells within the cell culture chamber.

Embodiment 9 includes the cartridge of any one of embodiments 1-8, wherein the cell culture chamber is a flat and inflexible chamber having a low chamber height.

Embodiment 10 includes the cartridge of any of embodiments 1-9, further comprising one or more of a pH sensor, a glucose sensor, an oxygen sensor, a carbon dioxide sensor, and/or an optical density sensor.

Embodiment 11 includes the cartridge of any of embodiments 1-10, further comprising one or more sampling ports.

Embodiment 12 includes the cartridge of any one of the embodiments, wherein the tangential flow filter is at an angle of about 3 ° to about 20 ° relative to horizontal.

Embodiment 13 includes the cartridge of any of embodiments 1-12, wherein the flow controller is a flow restrictor.

Embodiment 14 includes the cartridge of any of embodiments 1-13, wherein the flow controller is an additional pumping system.

Embodiment 15 includes the cartridge of any of embodiments 1-14, wherein the flow controller is a system having a plurality of conduits.

Embodiment 16 is a cartridge for an automated cell engineering system comprising a cell culture chamber, a pumping system in fluid connection with the cell culture chamber, a tangential flow filter in fluid connection with the pumping system, wherein the pumping system provides a retentate stream to the tangential flow filter, and wherein a permeate stream of the tangential flow filter is controlled by a flow controller; a satellite volume connected to the tangential flow filter; a fluidics path for recirculating the retentate stream back through the tangential flow filter; a fixed volume waste collection chamber fluidly connected to the tangential flow filter; and a cell sample output in fluid connection with the tangential flow filter.

Embodiment 17 includes the cartridge of embodiment 16, wherein the tangential flow filter has a pore size of about 0.40 μ ι η to about 0.80 μ ι η and a fiber diameter of about 0.5mm to about 0.9 mm.

Embodiment 18 includes the cartridge of embodiment 17, wherein the tangential flow filter has a pore size of about 0.60 μ ι η to about 0.70 μ ι η and a fiber diameter of about 0.70mm to about 0.80 mm.

Embodiment 19 includes a cartridge according to any of embodiments 16-18, wherein the tangential flow filter comprises a polymer selected from the group consisting of poly (ether sulfone), poly (acrylonitrile), and poly (vinylidene fluoride).

Embodiment 20 includes the cartridge of any one of embodiments 16-19, further comprising one or more fluidics pathways, wherein the fluidics pathways provide recirculation, waste removal and homogeneous gas exchange and nutrient distribution to the cell culture chamber without interfering with cells within the cell culture chamber.

Embodiment 21 includes the cartridge of any one of embodiments 16-20, wherein the cell culture chamber is a flat and inflexible chamber having a low chamber height.

Embodiment 22 includes the cartridge of any one of embodiments 16-21, further comprising one or more of a pH sensor, a glucose sensor, an oxygen sensor, a carbon dioxide sensor, and/or an optical density sensor.

Embodiment 23 includes the cartridge of any of embodiments 16-22, further comprising one or more sampling ports.

Embodiment 24 includes the cartridge of any one of embodiments 16-23, wherein the tangential flow filter is at an angle of about 3 ° to about 20 ° relative to horizontal.

Embodiment 25 includes the cartridge of any of embodiments 16-24, wherein the flow controller is a flow restrictor.

Embodiment 26 includes the cartridge of any of embodiments 16-25, wherein the flow controller is an additional pumping system.

Embodiment 27 includes the cartridge of any of embodiments 16-26, wherein the flow controller is a system having a plurality of conduits.

Embodiment 28 is a method of reducing the volume of a cell sample during automated processing, the method comprising introducing a cell sample into a tangential flow filter having a retentate stream and a permeate stream, wherein the permeate stream is controlled by a flow controller, passing the cell sample through the retentate stream of the tangential flow filter, removing volume from the cell sample through the permeate stream to a fixed volume waste collection chamber, and collecting the cell sample with a reduced volume.

Embodiment 29 includes the method of embodiment 28, further comprising recirculating the retentate stream after the removing the volume step to repeatedly pass the cell sample through the retentate stream.

Embodiment 30 includes the method of any of embodiments 28-29, wherein the removing volume is stopped once the fixed-volume waste collection chamber contains a desired volume.

Embodiment 31 includes the method of any one of embodiments 28-30, further comprising washing the cell sample after the collecting, and repeating steps (a) - (d) of the method.

Embodiment 32 includes the method of any one of embodiments 28-31, further comprising electroporating the cell sample after the collecting.

Embodiment 33 includes the method of any one of embodiments 28-32, wherein the flow controller is a flow restrictor.

Embodiment 34 includes the method of any one of embodiments 28-33, wherein the flow controller is an additional pumping system.

Embodiment 35 includes the method of any of embodiments 28-34, wherein the flow controller is a system having a plurality of pipes.

Embodiment 36 is an automated cell engineering system comprising a closable housing, a cartridge contained within the closable housing, the cartridge comprising a cell culture chamber, a pumping system fluidly connected to the cell culture chamber, a tangential flow filter fluidly connected to the pumping system, wherein the pumping system provides a retentate stream to the tangential flow filter, and wherein a permeate stream of the tangential flow filter is controlled by a flow controller, and a cell sample output fluidly connected to the tangential flow filter, and a user interface for receiving input from a user.

Embodiment 37 includes the automated cell engineering system of embodiment 36, wherein the tangential flow filter has a pore size of about 0.40 μ ι η to about 0.80 μ ι η and a fiber diameter of about 0.5mm to about 0.9 mm.

Embodiment 38 includes the automated cell engineering system of embodiment 37, wherein the tangential flow filter has a pore size of about 0.60 μ ι η to about 0.70 μ ι η and a fiber diameter of about 0.70mm to about 0.80 mm.

Embodiment 39 includes the automated cell engineering system of any one of embodiments 36-38, wherein the tangential flow filter comprises a polymer selected from the group consisting of poly (ether sulfone), poly (acrylonitrile), and poly (vinylidene fluoride).

Embodiment 40 includes the automated cell engineering system of any one of embodiments 36-39, further comprising a fixed volume waste collection chamber in fluid connection with the tangential flow filter.

Embodiment 41 includes the automated cell engineering system of any one of embodiments 36-40, further comprising a fluidics path for recirculating the retentate stream back through the tangential flow filter.

Embodiment 42 includes the automated cell engineering system of any one of embodiments 36-41, further comprising a satellite volume in fluid connection with the tangential flow filter.

Embodiment 43 includes the automated cell engineering system of any one of embodiments 36-42, further comprising one or more fluidics pathways, wherein the fluidics pathways provide recirculation, waste removal and homogeneous gas exchange and nutrient distribution to the cell culture chamber without interfering with cells within the cell culture chamber.

Embodiment 44 includes the automated cell engineering system of any one of embodiments 36-43, wherein the cell culture chamber is a flat and inflexible chamber having a low chamber height.

Embodiment 45 includes the automated cell engineering system of any one of embodiments 36-44, further comprising one or more of a pH sensor, a glucose sensor, an oxygen sensor, a carbon dioxide sensor, and/or an optical density sensor.

Embodiment 46 includes the automated cell engineering system of any one of embodiments 36-45, further comprising one or more sampling ports.

Embodiment 47 includes the automated cell engineering system of any one of embodiments 36-46, wherein the tangential flow filter is at an angle of about 3 ° to about 20 ° relative to horizontal.

Embodiment 48 includes the automated cell engineering system of any one of embodiments 36-47, further comprising a computer control system, wherein the user interface is coupled with the computer control system to provide instructions to the automated cell engineering system.

Embodiment 49 includes the automated cell engineering system of any one of embodiments 36-48, wherein the flow controller is a flow restrictor.

Embodiment 50 includes the automated cell engineering system of any one of embodiments 36-48, wherein the flow controller is an add-on pumping system.

Embodiment 51 includes the automated cell engineering system of any one of embodiments 36-48, wherein the flow controller is a system having a plurality of tubes.

Examples of the invention

Example 1-COCOON ^TM Tangential flow filtration in a system

Tangential Flow Filtration (TFF) for cell therapy applications can be used to separate, clarify, recover and collect cells from the post-harvest suspension fluid prior to formulation. The conventional TFF process consists of two steps; 1) volume reduction and 2) diafiltration. During the volume reduction step, large volumes (harvesting of the reagents and cells in the culture medium) are continuously removed by filtration through the permeate side of the filter until the desired cell concentration is reached in the treatment bag. During diafiltration, the concentrated cell suspension solution is replaced with formulation buffer and the undesirable residual proteins and contaminants in the final solution are reduced to acceptable levels. The final cell suspension will be in the cell concentration and buffer ready for formulation. Tangential flow filters are preferred over standard filters because they reduce fluid volume while preventing clogging and avoiding cell damage. Since the cells are not compressed on the filter, the cells are also easier to retrieve.

TFF filters are single-use and disposable, so they can be easily applied to cassettes to perform the operation in a closed and automated manner. A completely closed system allows the process to be performed aseptically because cell therapy products cannot be terminally sterilized or filtered. A fully disposable system eliminates the risk of cross-contamination and reduces cleaning requirements. To increase COCOON^TMProvides a cartridge with an integrated tangential flow filter. This example details the development of a TFF system to concentrate and wash cells in an automated system for cell therapy applications.

Method

COCOON^TMTangential flow filtration in a cassette

TFF systems for cell concentration typically have two pumps, one for controlling the feed flow rate and one for controlling the permeate (i.e., waste) flow rate. The flow rate of each pump is typically determined based on an optimized transmembrane pressure. If the pressure differential is too high or too low, it may result in no objects flowing through the filter, rendering the system ineffective, or may result in clogging. COCOON^TMTypically run on a single pump and have no pressure sensors, and therefore, the traditional method of filtration by TFF cannot be applied.

By mounting on COCOON^TMExperiments were performed with TFF filters in the cassette or cassette path. As described herein, the cassette pathway contains an expansion chamber for cell culture, an accessory bag or L-shaped chamber for cell processing, a TFF for removing excess media, and a waste bag for collecting excess media. COCOON^TMThe cassette is adapted to recirculate up to 450mL of culture medium in its culture chamber. From COCOON^TMThe various auxiliary reservoirs of the cartridge provide more than 260cm²Additional medium volume of 180mL capacity of proliferation chamber. Additional media from these auxiliary reservoirs can be recirculated within the culture portion of the disposable cassette to provide fresh nutrients and remove waste products from the cells in the proliferation chamber.

To create a pressure differential, a flow restrictor is used in the permeate line. Based on experimental optimization, the ideal permeate flow rate was chosen to avoid clogging, maximize cell recovery, and minimize time for volume reduction. At the same time, a wide range of filters were tested to understand the effect of fiber diameter, fiber area, number of fibers, total surface area, cell type, retentate flow rate, pore size, and filter material.

Fixed volume waste container

Several experiments also used a fixed volume waste container. The cartridge typically has a flexible waste bag located in the fluid reservoir. The bag has the ability to expand, which in some cases may lead to complete evacuation of the accessory bag and TFF. Complete emptying of the filter results in irreversible loss of cells due to entrapment on the filter membrane. To limit the capacity of the waste bag, it may be held in fixed spacing between two rigid plastic layers in the fluid reservoir. The bag is filled to a fixed volume at which time the pressure in the bag is such that recirculation through the accessory bag/TFF continues without further delivery of fluid to waste. Custom filter for concentrating Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells (PBMC)

Initial cell concentration experiments revealed desirable properties of tangential flow filters, such as increased surface area and large pore size. The Spectrum Labs P-OCTA01-04-N filter is a custom designed filter to meet these requirements and is installed in a Cocoon box. The properties include:

mPES film

Fiber diameter of 0.75

Pore diameter of 0.65 μm

Number of fibers 18

Total length of lumen 13cm

Surface area 57cm²

The filter was evaluated, optimized, and then used for a concept-validated electroporation integration study.

Reduction of TFF volume using custom filters

In the absence of COCOON^TMA preliminary study of custom filters was conducted.The Research 2i TFF system (Spectrum Labs) was used to monitor feed, retentate, permeate and transmembrane pressures during cell processing. COCOON was simulated using only one pump (unless otherwise stated) controlling the flow rate of the feed line^TMPerformance of the instrument. A No. 20 specification 0.024 "i.d./0.036" o.d. flow restrictor from Nordson EFD added to the end of the permeate line to simulate the previously optimized TFF procedure. By using this system, 100mL of the cell suspension was concentrated to 10-20 mL. TFF was performed on the bench at room temperature. The transmembrane pressure is defined as:

PBMC cultures

1x10⁸1x10 for PBMC⁸CD3+: CD28+ Dynabeads (Invitrogen) stimulated and expanded up to 10 days using multiple GREX 100(Wilson Wolf) culture vessels in complete T cell culture medium containing X-VIVO 15 medium (Lonza) supplemented with 5% human serum A/B (Sigma) and 10ng/mL IL-2 (Peprotech). To accommodate high viscosity serum that may clog filters, COCOON has been defined^TMThe pre-wash protocol of (1) to first reduce serum concentration prior to volume reduction using the TFF process. Transfer test concentrations of cells to 250mL Erlenmeyer flasksAnd centrifuged or incubated at 37 deg.C (5% CO)₂Air wet) for 2-4 hours. The supernatant of the pelleted cell suspension was reduced to 10mL and the excess supernatant was discarded. The appropriate medium was added to the concentrated cell suspension to a final volume of 100 mL.

Analysis of

Cell cultures before dilution, diluted cultures and final concentrated cell suspensions were counted in duplicate using Nucleocounter NC-200 (Chemotec). Volumes were measured before and after TFF using a serological pipette and a KrosFlo scale. Residual test samples were obtained from the initial culture before dilution, the supernatant before TFF and the final concentrated cell suspension after TFF. The percentage of serum remaining after dilution and concentration was determined using a human serum ELISA kit (Bethy Laboratories). FACS analysis was performed on control cells and TFF concentrated cell suspensions for CD4+ and CD8+ expression.

Successful demonstration of TFF volume reduction is defined as follows:

the recovery rate of the cells after TFF is more than or equal to 85 percent

The cell activity after TFF is reduced by less than or equal to 10 percent

Residual human serum at initial concentration after TFF (used in electroporation studies) was < 10%

Results

Evaluation of tangential flow Filter

A number of filters were tested to see the effect of various filter parameters. Fiber diameter, fiber area, number of fibers, total surface area, retentate flow rate, pore size, and filter material all play a role in the effectiveness of the filter in reducing the volume of the cell suspension. The results are also influenced by the solution (e.g., media type and serum type) as well as the cell type (i.e., size), cell number, cell concentration, and target final volume. Hydrostatic pressure also has an effect, so the flow restrictor must be adjusted according to the hydrostatic pressure. Most groups used human mesenchymal stem cells (hmscs) as the cell type tested.

To accommodate variability in permeate flow, a non-flexible waste container with a fixed volume is used. For example, if desired from the total volumeTo remove 100mL, a waste container of exactly 100mL was used. The duration of the flow can be set based on the slowest permeate flow. A bypass loop with an internal high pressure check valve is provided on either side of the pump tube. If the waste is filled before the pumping time is complete, the bypass line is activated so that fluid is pumped in a circulating manner, ending the TFF process. This method achieves a very consistent waste flow rate as shown in table 1. For additional control, a level sensor may be integrated into the cooon^TMTo monitor the liquid level in the non-flexible container.

Table 1: fixed volume waste container set summary

Evaluation and optimization of custom tangential flow filters

The test results for various tangential flow filters show the desired conditions. Custom Filter Spectrum Labs P-OCTA01-04-N meets these specifications, but requires testing and optimization. We wish to ensure that the filter is operating correctly and initially separates cooon^TMAny limitations of the system; therefore, we evaluated the filters using the Spectrum Labs TFF system.

The acellular group was activated to receive the initial operating parameters of the filter. When the volume of RPMI medium was reduced, there was constant transmembrane pressure (TMP) and flux through the filter (fig. 6A). However, if serum was added to RMPI, TMP increased with time and flux decreased (fig. 6B). This is a sign of filter clogging by proteins in serum.

To control blockages from serum, an automatic back pressure valve (fig. 7A and 7B) or a secondary pump (fig. 7C) was added to the permeate line. An automatic back pressure valve was able to control the permeate pressure after a 3 minute volume reduction. The secondary pump initially controlled the permeate flow rate to 20ml/min and then 10ml/min after 5.5 minutes. In both cases of permeate control, there is a generally constant flux, permeate pressure and TMP. The results show that COCOON is controlled^TMPressure on the medium TFF permeate line providesControl of filter clogging.

A similar trend was observed with reduced volume of serum-free PBMC suspension (fig. 8A and 8B). Adding a back pressure control valve to the permeate helps stabilize flux, permeate pressure and TMP. This further confirms the need for permeate control.

To obtain maximum cell recovery without significant loss of viability, the process parameters were optimized. The first parameter examined is the permeate pressure of the pump controlled by the permeate. In concentrating the PMBC + 0% serum suspension, the recirculation pump was set to 60mL/min and the permeate control pump was set to 0, 5, 10, or 15mL/min (FIGS. 9A-9D). The permeate pump speed appears to have little effect on flux, TMP or permeate pressure. 15mL/min was chosen for the following experiments as this would result in the fastest TFF duration.

The recirculation flow rate was also measured. PBMC in 0% serum suspension were concentrated by TFF with a permeate pump at 15mL/min and recirculation flow rates of 60mL/min or 70mL/min (Table 2). The cell recovery was greater at a flow rate of 70 mL/min.

Table 2: tangential flow filtration concentration of PMBC with 0% serum for permeate control

PBMCs in 0% serum suspension were concentrated by TFF using a flow restrictor on the permeate line and a recirculation flow rate of 70mL/min (table 3). The average recovery was about 89% and the viability was greater than 80%.

Table 3: tangential flow filtration concentration of PMBC with 0% serum and flow restrictor

Many cell therapies use serum and in some cases, it may not be possible to remove serum prior to TFF. PBMCs in a 5% serum suspension were concentrated by TFF using a flow restrictor on the permeate line and a recirculation flow rate of 70mL/min (table 4). The average recovery rate is about 86%, and the activity is more than 80%.

Table 4: tangential flow filtration concentration of PMBC with 5% serum and flow restrictor

By TFF in COCOON^TMConcentrating cells in a cassette for electroporation

Cell washing and concentration is useful not only prior to downstream processing of the product; it can also be used for intermediate automation of certain unit operations such as electroporation. The cells are suitably concentrated to<10mL, and the residue was washed off. For proof of concept, cells from two donors were concentrated by sedimentation to a volume of 10mL, with total viable cells at 4.4x10⁸And 4.2x10⁸. Then use 90mL supplemented Nucleofector^TMThe two cell suspensions were diluted with solution (NFS) and concentrated to 10mL using TFF. Cell recovery after TFF concentration was 92% and 87% (fig. 10A). Cell viability before transfection was 92% and 74% and the decrease after TFF was less than 5% (fig. 10B).

In both groups, 6% and 8% of the initial culture supernatant was detected in the final TFF concentrated cell suspension (table 5).

Table 5: percentage of detectable human serum a/B in the original culture supernatant, the diluted and concentrated TFF permeate and the final cell suspension supernatant after TFF.

There was no difference in CD4+: CD8+ profile after TFF compared to control cultures not concentrated by TFF (figure 11).

These results demonstrate the use of TFF in cell washing and concentration prior to in-process transfection.

Conclusion

Using COCOON^TMThe system can suitably perform washing and concentration by tangential flow filtration. TFF allows the process to remain closed and automated and is suitable for use in COCOON^TMDisposable cartridges. TFF can be concentrated<20ml of cell suspension and recovered by the system>85% of cells.

It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the relevant art that other suitable modifications and adaptations to the methods and applications described herein may be made without departing from the scope of any of the embodiments.

It is to be understood that while certain embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, the claims are not to be limited to the specific forms or arrangements of parts so described and shown. In the specification, illustrative embodiments have been disclosed and, although specific terms are employed, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. Modifications and variations of the embodiments are possible in light of the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that the embodiments may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described.

All publications, patents, and patent applications mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent, or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.