Abstract

The current invention relates to a method for obtaining one or more target biomolecules from cells cultured in a fixed bed bioreactor, said method comprises: - the addition of a lysis solution to the bioreactor, thereby lysing the cells in the bioreactor, and prior to, simultaneous with, and/or after lysing said cells, applying one or more mechanical actions to said bioreactor, after which the one or more target biomolecules are recovered from said bioreactor. The invention further relates to a system for obtaining one or more target biomolecules from cells cultured in a fixed bed bioreactor.

IPC Classes  ?

• C12M 1/26 - Inoculator or sampler
• C12M 1/00 - Apparatus for enzymology or microbiology
• C12N 1/06 - Lysis of microorganisms

Abstract

The current disclosure relates to a biomolecule production system for producing biomolecules, wherein said system comprises one or more vessels, such as a bioreactor vessel, a transfer vessel, a reagent vessel, a waste vessel and/or a collection vessel, and optionally a concentrator, wherein one or more of said vessels are equipped with at least a first and a second pressure sensor, said first pressure sensor measuring the hydrostatic pressure in the vessel and said second pressure sensor measuring the gas headspace pressure (such as air pressure) in said vessel.

IPC Classes  ?

• C12M 1/12 - Apparatus for enzymology or microbiology with sterilisation, filtration, or dialysis means
• C12M 1/34 - Measuring or testing with condition measuring or sensing means, e.g. colony counters
• C12M 1/36 - Apparatus for enzymology or microbiology including condition or time responsive control, e.g. automatically controlled fermentors

Abstract

A bioreactor includes a housing with a number of removable parts for modular construction and easy assembly or disassembly. The removable parts include a fixed bed and a support for the fixed bed. More than one support may be provided. The multiple supports may interlock with each other or a lid of the bioreactor. The support interlocks with the housing to prevent relative rotation. The multiple supports include a support frame for supporting the fixed bed an allowing fluid to flow through the support frame. The fixed bed forms a peripheral chamber between the support and the housing to hold the fixed bed. One or more probes and tubes may be inserted into the bioreactor to test parameters of or to add to or remove liquid from inside.

IPC Classes  ?

• C12M 3/00 - Tissue, human, animal or plant cell, or virus culture apparatus
• C12M 1/12 - Apparatus for enzymology or microbiology with sterilisation, filtration, or dialysis means

Abstract

A system for biomass sensing includes a fixed bed bioreactor including a container and a fixed bed disposed within such container. At least one sensor is for sensing one or more parameters representative of biomass in the fixed bed. A controller is adapted for correlating the one or more parameters to an amount of biomass of the fixed bed bioreactor, such as using a correlation model. Related systems and methods are also described.

IPC Classes  ?

• C12M 1/00 - Apparatus for enzymology or microbiology
• C12M 1/12 - Apparatus for enzymology or microbiology with sterilisation, filtration, or dialysis means
• C12M 1/34 - Measuring or testing with condition measuring or sensing means, e.g. colony counters
• C12M 1/36 - Apparatus for enzymology or microbiology including condition or time responsive control, e.g. automatically controlled fermentors

Abstract

An apparatus is provided for culturing and transfecting cells using a liquid. A bioreactor includes a cell culture bed for receiving the liquid. An external loop is connected to the bioreactor and adapted for circulating the liquid to and from the bioreactor. The external loop is adapted for introducing a gas into the liquid therein and/or for circulating a transfection material in the liquid therein to the bioreactor. In one embodiment, a first vessel is associated with the external loop for receiving the liquid, and a gas injector is provided for injecting a gas into the liquid, such as into the first vessel. A second vessel is also provided for providing a transfection material (such as a transfecting agent as part of a transfection mixture) to the liquid, such as directly to the bioreactor or to the external loop. In another embodiment, the gas injector is associated directly with the external loop. The external loop may be dedicated for gas injection and/or transfection, and maintained separate from a loop for circulating liquid media to the bioreactor, which potentially allows for operation on demand. Related methods are also disclosed.

IPC Classes  ?

• C12M 1/00 - Apparatus for enzymology or microbiology
• C12M 1/36 - Apparatus for enzymology or microbiology including condition or time responsive control, e.g. automatically controlled fermentors

Abstract

Systems and methods for harvesting cells include a bioreactor with a structure for cell entrapment/adherence and growth, such as a fixed bed structure. A cell harvest mechanism is adapted to agitate the bioreactor, such as by vibrating or shaking the fixed bed, and to move a liquid level relative to the structure, such as by repeatedly flushing and filling the bioreactor. A cell detaching solution is provided to the bioreactor, such as an enzymatic cocktail for the detachment of cells without producing clumps or aggregates. The bioreactor may comprise a preculture vessel upstream of another bioreactor.

IPC Classes  ?

• C12M 1/12 - Apparatus for enzymology or microbiology with sterilisation, filtration, or dialysis means
• C12M 1/26 - Inoculator or sampler
• C12M 1/34 - Measuring or testing with condition measuring or sensing means, e.g. colony counters
• C12M 1/00 - Apparatus for enzymology or microbiology

Abstract

A system for producing and purifying target biologics is disclosed. A cell culture unit is provided for generating target biologics in a volume of fluid. A purification unit is also provided for purifying the target biologics in the volume of fluid portion directly from the cell culture unit without a clarifying step, such as by using one or more separators, such as expanded beds or chromatography columns arranged in parallel, and potentially operating in series to achieve continuous operation. The one or more separators may include magnetic beads adapted for binding to the target biologics. The purification unit may receive at least a portion of the volume of fluid directly from the cell culture unit, and a collection unit may be provided for collecting the purified target biologics from the purification unit, and also may be adapted for returning the volume of fluid without the target biologics to the cell culture unit. The system may comprise a first vessel adapted to concentrate a volume of fluid including the target biologics, and a second vessel adapted to further concentrating the volume of fluid, the first or second vessels including magnetic beads adapted for binding with the target biologics. Related methods are also disclosed.

IPC Classes  ?

• C12M 1/00 - Apparatus for enzymology or microbiology

Abstract

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

IPC Classes  ?

• C12M 1/00 - Apparatus for enzymology or microbiology
• C12M 1/12 - Apparatus for enzymology or microbiology with sterilisation, filtration, or dialysis means
• C12M 1/04 - Apparatus for enzymology or microbiology with gas introduction means

Abstract

A cell culturing container including a fixed bed is provided for forming a bioreactor (100). In one version, a container in the form of a tubular body is formed by first and second interlocking portions (115a, 115b). The container forms a compartment for receiving the fixed bed (122) for culturing cells, which container may be removably inserted into an inner compartment of the bioreactor so as form an outer chamber for circulating fluid to or from the fixed bed. The container may also include a removable base (130) for receiving an agitator (118) for agitating and thus circulating the fluid. Related methods are also disclosed.

IPC Classes  ?

• C12M 1/12 - Apparatus for enzymology or microbiology with sterilisation, filtration, or dialysis means
• C12M 1/00 - Apparatus for enzymology or microbiology
• C12M 3/00 - Tissue, human, animal or plant cell, or virus culture apparatus
• C12M 1/06 - Apparatus for enzymology or microbiology with gas introduction means with agitator, e.g. impeller
• C12M 1/08 - Apparatus for enzymology or microbiology with gas introduction means with draft tube

Abstract

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

IPC Classes  ?

• C12M 1/36 - Apparatus for enzymology or microbiology including condition or time responsive control, e.g. automatically controlled fermentors
• C12M 1/34 - Measuring or testing with condition measuring or sensing means, e.g. colony counters
• C12M 1/12 - Apparatus for enzymology or microbiology with sterilisation, filtration, or dialysis means

Abstract

The current invention relates to a bioreactor cabinet, configured to be incorporated in a biomolecule production system, wherein said bioreactor cabinet is preferably a mobile bioreactor cabinet suited to receive a bioreactor, said bioreactor cabinet is provided with a bioreactor docking station, wherein said bioreactor cabinet, more preferably a side wall of said bioreactor cabinet, is provided with a connector allowing the transmission of power, signals and/or data when paired with a biomolecule production system, such as a bioreactor chamber of said system. The current invention equally relates to a biomolecule production system and methods for producing biomolecules.

IPC Classes  ?

• C12M 1/00 - Apparatus for enzymology or microbiology

Abstract

A system includes a bioprocessing vessel formed of a material insulative to a liquid medium when present therein. At least one sensor is for sensing a parameter of the bioprocessing vessel and generating a signal indicative of the parameter. At least one conductor is adapted to provide electrical communication between the liquid medium in the bioprocessing vessel and an external structure to achieve equipotential for reducing noise in the signal produced by the at least one sensor. Related apparatus and methods are also disclosed.

IPC Classes  ?

• C12M 1/34 - Measuring or testing with condition measuring or sensing means, e.g. colony counters

Abstract

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

IPC Classes  ?

• C12M 1/00 - Apparatus for enzymology or microbiology
• C12M 1/12 - Apparatus for enzymology or microbiology with sterilisation, filtration, or dialysis means
• C12M 1/04 - Apparatus for enzymology or microbiology with gas introduction means