System and method for detachment of cells in fixed bed reactors
An apparatus for processing cells is disclosed. In one embodiment, a fixed bed reactor is provided for the cells, the fixed bed reactor including a portion movable from a first position corresponding to a packed condition of the fixed bed to a second position corresponding to a depacked condition of the fixed bed. Movement of the partition facilitates harvesting of the cells there from. Related apparatus, kits, methods, and systems are also disclosed.
1. An apparatus for processing cells, comprising:
a fixed bed reactor for the cells, the fixed bed reactor including a portion movable from a first position corresponding to a packed condition of a fixed bed to a second position corresponding to a depacked condition of the fixed bed, wherein the movable portion comprises a partition positioned within a compartment of the reactor including the fixed bed;
an expandable retainer for retaining the partition in the first position in a non-expanded condition of the retainer and the second condition in an expanded condition of the retainer; and
a vibrator for vibrating the fixed bed;
whereby movement of the portion expands the fixed bed to facilitate harvesting of the cells when the fixed bed is vibrated by the vibrator;
wherein the fixed bed reactor is sealed from an ambient environment during use in order to maintain a sterile interior condition for growing cells.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the expandable retainer comprises a spring.
3. The apparatus of claim 2 , wherein the spring extends between the partition and a wall of the fixed bed reactor.
4. An apparatus for processing cells, comprising:
a fixed bed reactor for the cells having a fixed bed with a packed condition and a depacked condition, the fixed bed reactor including a partition adapted for moving from a first position contacting the fixed bed in the packed condition to a second position corresponding to the depacked condition of the fixed bed;
a vibrator for vibrating the fixed bed in the depacked condition; and
a stirrer in the fixed bed reactor for circulating fluid within the fixed bed in the packed condition;
wherein the fixed bed reactor is sealed from an ambient environment during use in order to maintain a sterile interior condition for growing cells.
5. An apparatus for processing cells grown in a packed fixed bed, comprising:
a fixed bed reactor including a movable partition positioned to achieve a depacked condition of the fixed bed;
a vibrator for vibrating the fixed bed in the depacked condition; and
a stirrer in the fixed bed reactor for circulating fluid within the fixed bed in the packed condition;
whereby movement of the portion expands the fixed bed to facilitate harvesting of the cells when the fixed bed is vibrated by the vibrator;
wherein the reactor is sealed from an ambient environment during use in order to maintain a sterile interior condition for growing cells in the optimal manner.
6. An apparatus for processing cells, comprising:
a fixed bed reactor for the cells, the fixed bed reactor including a portion movable from a first position corresponding to a packed condition of a fixed bed to a second position corresponding to a depacked condition of the fixed bed,
a vibrator for vibrating the fixed bed;
whereby movement of the portion expands the fixed bed to facilitate harvesting of the cells when the fixed bed is vibrated by the vibrator;
wherein the fixed bed reactor is sealed from an ambient environment during use in order to maintain a sterile interior condition for growing cells;
wherein the reactor comprises a roller bottle.
7. An apparatus for processing cells, comprising:
a fixed bed reactor for the cells, the fixed bed reactor including a portion movable from a first position corresponding to a packed condition of a fixed bed to a second position corresponding to a depacked condition of the fixed bed,
a vibrator for vibrating the fixed bed; and
a stirrer in the fixed bed reactor for circulating fluid within the fixed bed in the packed condition;
whereby movement of the portion expands the fixed bed to facilitate harvesting of the cells when the fixed bed is vibrated by the vibrator;
wherein the fixed bed reactor is sealed from an ambient environment during use in order to maintain a sterile interior condition for growing cells.