WO2024102979A2

WO2024102979A2 - Consumable for centrifugation of biological cells

Info

Publication number: WO2024102979A2
Application number: PCT/US2023/079344
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jeff Smith; Ivan RAZINKOV; Alexander Brown
Original assignee: Synthego Corporation
Priority date: 2022-11-11
Filing date: 2023-11-10
Publication date: 2024-05-16
Also published as: WO2024102979A3

Abstract

A cell centrifugation consumable and a method of using the cell centrifugation consumable is disclosed. The cell centrifugation consumable includes an inner fluid chamber configured to hold cells during centrifugation and a decanting space. The inner fluid chamber includes a supernatant fluid port that permits drawing off of supernatant from the inner fluid chamber, and a decanting port that permits a portion of the supernatant to flow into a decanting space when the cell centrifugation is tipped approximately 90°. Together, the supernatant fluid port and the decanting port allow the cell centrifugation consumable to remove the supernatant without knowing the volume of the supernatant. The cell centrifugation consumable further includes a collection chamber fluid port configured to flow additional fluid into to the cell centrifugation consumable after centrifugation, wherein the additional fluid resuspends the cell pellet.

Description

CONSUMABLE FOR CENTRIFUGATION OF BIOLOGICAL CELLS

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e), to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/424,559, as filed November 11, 2022, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Processing of biological samples such as cell-containing solutions often requires the sterile and cautious movement of liquids from one container (e.g., a beaker, flask, or test tube) to another. These containers are traditionally designed for manual holding and grasping. As the number of biological samples to be processed increases, automated solutions (i.e., robotics) are often used to perform repetitive tasks. However, the requirements of robotic handing of biological samples are different than the requirement for human handing of biological samples. For example, the act of decanting a solution (i.e., drawing off a liquid portion of a biological sample in a container) can be performed easily by a skilled technician using traditional containers. However, decanting of biological samples via traditional containers is not easily performed through robotic means. Therefore, there is a need for biological sample processing containers that can be easily and accurately manipulated via robotic means to facilitate procedures such as decanting of fluid from the container.

SUMMARY

Described herein is a cell centrifugation consumable. The cell centrifugation consumable includes an inner fluid chamber comprising a tapered portion having a collection chamber at a narrow end of the tapered portion. The cell centrifugation consumable further includes a supernatant fluid port disposed within the tapered portion outside of the collection chamber. The cell centrifugation consumable further includes an outer decanting chamber surrounding and fluidly coupled to the inner fluid chamber such that a decanting space is formed between the outer decanting chamber and the inner fluid chamber. The cell centrifugation consumable further includes a decanting port configured to fluidly couple the inner fluid chamber to the decanting space.

Also described herein is a method for processing samples, such as cell-containing solutions, via the cell centrifugation consumable. The method may include providing the cell centrifugation consumable. The method may further include culturing a suspension of cells within the inner fluid chamber. The method may further include centrifuging the cell centrifugation consumable to concentrate the cells as a cell pellet in the collection chamber with a supernatant remaining in the inner fluid chamber. The method may further include removing a first portion of the supernatant from the tapered portion of the inner fluid chamber via the supernatant fluid port. The method may further include removing a second portion of the supernatant from the collection chamber via the decanting port.

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanying figures. The use of the same reference numbers in different instances in the description and the figures may indicate similar or identical items. Various embodiments or examples of the present disclosure are disclosed in the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings. The drawings are not necessarily to scale. In general, operations of disclosed processes may be performed in an arbitrary order, unless otherwise provided in the claims.

FIG. l is a drawing illustrating a perspective cut-away view of a cell centrifugation consumable.

FIG. 2 is a drawing illustrating a perspective, cross-sectional view of a lower section of the cell centrifugation consumable.

FIG. 3 is a drawing illustrating a perspective view of the cell centrifugation consumable with the housing removed, revealing the inner fluid chamber.

FIG. 4 is a drawing illustrating a cross-section view of a cell centrifugation consumable tilted at approximately 94°.

FIG. 5 is a drawing illustrating a perspective view of the cell centrifugation consumable, with the lid and top piece removed.

FIG. 6 is a drawing illustrating a perspective view of the cell centrifugation consumable with the lid configured in the closed position.

FIG. 7 is a flow diagram illustrating a method for centrifugation of a sample. FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating an example environment for using the cell centrifugation consumable.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before the present disclosure is described in greater detail, it is to be understood that this disclosure is not limited to particular embodiments described, and as such may, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting, since the scope of the present disclosure will be limited only by the appended claims.

As used herein a letter following a reference numeral is intended to reference an embodiment of the feature or element that may be similar, but not necessarily identical, to a previously described element or feature bearing the same reference numeral (e.g., 1, 1a, lb). Such shorthand notations are used for purposes of convenience only and should not be construed to limit the disclosure in any way unless expressly stated to the contrary.

Further, unless expressly stated to the contrary, “or” refers to an inclusive or and not to an exclusive or. For example, a condition A or B is satisfied by anyone of the following: A is true (or present) and B is false (or not present), A is false (or not present) and B is true (or present), and both A and B are true (or present).

In addition, use of “a” or “an” may be employed to describe elements and components of embodiments disclosed herein. This is done merely for convenience and “a” and “an” are intended to include “one” or “at least one,” and the singular also includes the plural unless it is obvious that it is meant otherwise.

Finally, as used herein any reference to “one embodiment” or “some embodiments” means that a particular element, feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment disclosed herein. The appearances of the phrase “in some embodiments” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, and embodiments may include one or more of the features expressly described or inherently present herein, or any combination of sub-combination of two or more such features, along with any other features which may not necessarily be expressly described or inherently present in the instant disclosure. Described herein is a container for a biological sample. The container may be configured for processing cell solutions, such as cell solutions during centrifugation, and may be disposable/consumable (i.e., a cell centrifugation consumable). The cell centrifugation consumable is configured for automated processing, such as automated decanting of fluid, such as a supernatant, after centrifugation, and may be used with various systems including automated cell processing systems such as those disclosed in Intemational/PCT Application PCT/US2022/012820, published as WO 2022/155610, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The cell centrifugation consumable may include an inner fluid chamber for initially holding the cell solution, and an outer decanting chamber that receives and/or stores the decanted fluid. The cell centrifugation consumable may also include elements that prevent decanted fluid from returning to the inner fluid chamber.

FIG. 1 is a drawing illustrating a perspective cut-away view of a cell centrifugation consumable 100, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure. The cell centrifugation consumable 100 is configured as a container that can contain a volume of liquid, such as a volume of media containing cells. The cell centrifugation consumable 100 is disposable in that it may be discarded after a single use. However, the cell centrifugation consumable 100 may be discarded after any number of uses (i.e., biological samples processed) including but not limited to two uses, five uses, ten uses, one hundred uses, one thousand uses, or more. The cell centrifugation consumable 100 may be used in a centrifugation process. For example, a cell centrifugation consumable 100 containing a cell-containing solution may be placed within the rotor of a centrifuge, whereupon the spinning of the rotor, cells within the solution may form a cell pellet due to gravitational (g) forces incurred by the cell centrifugation consumable 100. The cell centrifugation 100 may be constructed of injection molded plastic components and may include any material including but not limited to polycarbonate, polystyrene, polyester, and nylon.

In embodiments, the cell centrifugation consumable 100 includes an inner fluid chamber 104 having an open end 105 that is encapsulated on four or more sides by a housing 106 and may further include a lid 107. The inner fluid chamber 104 is configured to hold a volume of liquid, such as a cell solution. The volume of inner fluid chamber 104 includes a high-volume portion 108 that includes a majority of the volume of the inner fluid chamber 104. The high-volume portion 108 may have any shape including but not limited to a spherical shape or a cuboidal shape. For example, the high-volume portion 108 may be configured as having a generally cuboidal shape with rounded side-edges, as shown in FIG.1.

The inner fluid chamber 104 further includes a tapered portion 112 configured as a narrowing of the cross-sectional width of the inner fluid chamber 104 as compared to the high- volume portion 108. The tapered portion 112 may be configured with a shape of any tapered structure including but not limited to a conical shape. For example, the 112 may be configured as a conically shaped portion of the inner fluid chamber 104, similar to conical shapes seen in centrifuge tubes. The inner fluid chamber 104 further includes a collection chamber 116 positioned at a narrow end 118 of the tapered portion 112. The arrangement of the high-volume portion 108, the tapered portion 112, and the collection chamber 116 permit the pelleting of a cell pellet 120 within the collection chamber 116 when a cell solution (e.g., a cell suspension) is transferred to the cell centrifugation consumable 100, and the cell centrifugation consumable 100 is subjected to a centrifugal force 124 that forces the cells from the cell solution to the collection chamber 116.

The collection chamber 116 may include any shape including but not limited to a cylindrical shape or a conical shape. For example, a resultant cell pellet 120 may form a cylindrical form based on the cylindrical shape of the collection chamber 116. In another example, the resultant cell pellet 120 may form a cylindrical form based on the cylindrical shape of the collection chamber 116 as well as a conical form if the cell pellet 116 is large enough to overfill the collection chamber 116 and form a conical shape within the tapered portion 112.

In embodiments, the cell centrifugation consumable 100 further includes an outer decanting chamber 128. The outer decanting chamber 128 surrounds at least as portion of the inner fluid chamber 104, forming a decanting space 130. The outer decanting chamber 128 is also fluidly couplable to the inner fluid chamber 104. For example, fluid, such as a supernatant 131 may be moved from the inner fluid chamber 104 to the outer decanting chamber 128 during a cell processing step. For instance, the cell processing step may include centrifugation, decanting, suction, and/or positive displacement of fluid.

In embodiments, the cell centrifugation consumable 100 further includes a supernatant fluid port 132 disposed within a wall of the tapered portion 112. The supernatant fluid port 132 is configured as an opening to a passageway by which fluid may be removed from the tapered portion 112, into another chamber or reservoir, such as the outer decanting chamber 128 or tubing. For example, the supernatant fluid port 132 may be coupled to a fluid removal apparatus that actively or passively transports fluid from the tapered portion 112 to the outer decanting chamber 128. The fluid removal apparatus may operate via any mechanism such as gravity, capillary action, suction, or positive air displacement. For example, the fluid may be removed from the suction applied to tubing operatively coupled to the supernatant fluid port 132.

In embodiments, the cell centrifugation consumable 100 further includes a decanting port 136 configured to fluidly couple the inner fluid chamber 104 to the decanting space 130. For example, when fluid is added to the inner fluid chamber 104 and the cell centrifugation consumable 100 is subsequently tilted or inverted, a portion of the fluid will flow into the decanting space 130 via the decanting port.

In embodiments, the decanting port 136 includes an anti-return feature 140 that prevents fluid from the decanting space 130 from flowing back into the inner fluid chamber 104. The antireturn feature 140 may include any type of structure or device that selectively allows fluid flow from the inner fluid chamber 104 to the decanting space 130 and restricts fluid flow from the decanting space 130 to the inner fluid chamber 104. The structure or device of the anti-return feature may include but not be limited to a raised edge or a valve.

The inner fluid chamber 104 may be configured with any total volume (e.g., the total amount of fluid that can be contained by the inner fluid chamber, including but not limited to total volumes of 50 ml, 100 ml, 200 ml, 250 ml, 500 ml, 600 ml, 750 ml, 1.0 L, 1.5L, or 2 L, or approximate volumes thereof. The decanting space 130 of the cell centrifugation consumable 100 may include any total volume including but not limited to 5 ml, 10ml, 15ml, 30ml, 50 ml, 100 ml, 200 ml, 250 ml, 500 ml, 750 ml, 1.0 L, 1.5L, or 2 L, or approximate volumes thereof.

The cell centrifugation consumable 100 may be configured with any size or set of dimensions. For example, the cell centrifugation consumable 100 may be configured to any dimension/footprint standard as detailed by the Society for Laboratory Automation and Screening (SLAS). For example, the cell centrifugation consumable 100 may have a footprint dimension of approximately 85 mm x 128 mm. For instance, the footprint may be 84.48 mm x 127.76 mm.

FIG. 2 is a drawing illustrating a perspective, cross-sectional view of a lower section of the cell centrifugation consumable 100 without the cell pellet 120, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure. In embodiments, the collection chamber 116 further includes a collection chamber fluid port 204 configured to move fluid into and/or out of the collection chamber 204. For example, and in embodiments, the collection chamber fluid port 204 is coupled to a fluid source and is configured to deliver fluid to the collection chamber 116. Once the fluid enters the collection chamber 116, the fluid may act to resuspend the cell pellet 120, rinse the collection chamber 116, and/or perform other fluid-related tasks. In some instances, the collection chamber fluid port 204 may be configured to remove fluid from the collection chamber 116.

In embodiments, the collection chamber fluid port 204 is positioned tangentially within the collection chamber 116 (e.g., relative to the circumference of the collection chamber 116). For example, the collection chamber fluid port 204 may be placed within the fluid chamber 116 so that when additional fluid flows through the collection chamber fluid port 204, the additional fluid flows along the inside curved section of the collection chamber 116, creating a vortex-like movement of additional fluid that disrupts the cell pellet 120 and facilitates resuspending the cells.

FIG. 3 is a drawing illustrating a perspective view of the cell centrifugation consumable 100 with the housing 106 removed, revealing the inner fluid chamber 104. In embodiments, the cell centrifugation consumable 100 further includes a first septum 304, shown protruding through a top piece 306, operatively coupled to the collection chamber fluid port 204 via collection chamber port tubing 308. The first septum 304 may be resealable (e.g., a first resealable septum) via any method for resealing a septum or port including but not limited to rubber or silicone-based septa that reseal after penetration by a needle, pipette tip, or other sharp object. The first septum 304 is couplable to a fluid source. The first septum 304 and collection chamber port tubing 308 are configured so that fluid entering through the first septum 304 from the fluid source travels through the collection chamber port tubing 308 and enters the collection chamber 116 via the collection chamber fluid port 204.

In embodiments, the cell centrifugation consumable 100 further includes a second septum 312 operatively coupled to the supernatant fluid port 132 via supernatant fluid port tubing 316. The second septum 312 may be resealable (e.g., a second resealable septum) as described herein. The second septum is couplable to the fluid removal apparatus. The second septum 312 and supernatant fluid port tubing 316 are configured so that fluid may enter the supernatant fluid port tubing 316 from the tapered portion 112 via the supernatant fluid port 132. The fluid may then pass through the second septum 312 from the supernatant fluid port tubing 316 through the action of the fluid removal apparatus.

FIG. 4 is a drawing illustrating a cross-section view of a cell centrifugation consumable 100 tilted at approximately 94°, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure. In embodiments, the cell centrifugation consumable 100 is tilted, or rotated, after centrifugation via a mixer or other tilting/rotating device. The tilting of the cell centrifugation consumable 100 decants the supernatant 131 into the decanting space 130. The decanting step may be the first or second fluid removal step after centrifugation. For example, after centrifugation, a first portion of the supernatant 131 may be removed via the supernatant fluid port 132, while a second portion of the supernatant 131 may be removed by tilting/rotating the cell centrifugation consumable 100 so that supernatant flows through the decanting port 136 into the decanting space 130. In another example, the decanting step is the only fluid removal step for removing the supernatant. During decanting, the cell pellet 120 remains in the collection chamber 116.

The decanting of the supernatant into the decanting space 130 may occur either through manual decanting/tilting, or through automated decanting (e.g., via the centrifuge or mixer). The cell centrifugation consumable 100 may be tilted at any angle that allows supernatant to flow through the decanting port including but not limited to 75°, 80°, 85°, 90°, 95°, 100°, 105°, or more than 105° from vertical. For example, the cell centrifugation consumable 100 may be configured so that decanting will occur when the cell centrifugation consumable 100 is tilted 94° from vertical. When the decanting is complete, the cell centrifugation consumable 100 is tilted/rotated back into the upright position, with the with the cell pellet 120 retained in the collection chamber 116 and a portion of the supernatant residing as decanted supernatant 404 within the decanting space 130.

FIG. 5 is a drawing illustrating a perspective view of the cell centrifugation consumable 100, with the lid 107 and top piece 306 removed, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure. In embodiments, the inner fluid chamber 104 further includes a flanged edge 504 that provides structural support for the inner fluid chamber 104 and provides a surface for attachment and/or placement for components of the cell centrifugation consumable 100. For example, the first septum 304 and/or the second septum 312 may be disposed within, or integrated into, the flanged edge 504. In another example, the decanting port 136 may be integrated within or adjacent to the flanged edge 504. For instance, the decanting port may include or be integrated into an opening between the flanged edge 504 and a side wall 508 of the inner fluid chamber. In embodiments, the cell centrifugation consumable 100 may further include an air vent 512 configured to allow the transfer of air between the inner fluid chamber 104 and the space outside of the cell centrifugation consumable 100. FIG. 6 is a drawing illustrating a perspective view of the cell centrifugation consumable 100 with the lid 107 configured in the closed position, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure. As described herein and in FIGS. 1, 3, and 5, the lid 107 is configured to attach at an open end 105 of the inner fluid chamber 104 (e.g., opposite of the collection chamber 116). For example, the lid 107 may be configured as a hinged lid, with the hinge formed at the flanged edge 504 or side wall 508 of the inner fluid chamber 104. In another example, the lid 107 may be configured to attach to the inner fluid chamber 104 via an interference and/or friction fit.

In embodiments, the cell centrifugation consumable 100 is hermetically sealed. The cell centrifugation consumable 100 may include one or more air ports 604a-b. The air ports 604a-b may be configured to permit flow of air between the air within the inner fluid chamber 104 and air outside of the cell centrifugation consumable 100. For example, the cell centrifugation consumable 100 containing a cell solution may be place in an incubator, such as a CO2 cell culture incubator, wherein the air ports 604a-b may allow the cells within the cell centrifugation consumable 100 to be regulated by the conditions of the incubator. The air ports 604a-b may also be configured to allow pressurization of the cell centrifugation consumable 100 to transfer fluid. The air ports 604a-b may include a filter, such as a 0.22 pm pore size filter that allows air flow without allowing the transmission of bacteria through the air port 604a-b. In another example, the air ports 604a-b may include port covers that prevent airflow, which can be subsequently removed to allow air flow.

FIG. 7 is a flow diagram illustrating a method 700 for centrifugation of a sample, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure. The method 700 may be used to centrifuge any type of biological sample, such as a cell suspension.

In embodiments, the method 700 includes a step 704 of providing the cell centrifugation consumable 100. The cell centrifugation consumable 100 may include the inner fluid chamber 104 comprising the tapered portion 112 having the collection chamber 116 at the narrow end 118 of the tapered portion 166. The cell centrifugation consumable 100 may further include the supernatant fluid port 132 disposed within the tapered portion 132 outside of the collection chamber 116. The cell centrifugation consumable 100 may further include the outer decanting chamber 128 surrounding and fluidly coupled to the inner fluid chamber 104 such that the decanting space 130 is formed between the outer decanting chamber 128 and the inner fluid chamber 104. The cell centrifugation consumable 100 may further include the decanting port 136 configured to fluidly couple the inner fluid chamber 104 to the decanting space 130. In embodiments, the method 700 includes a step 708 of culturing a suspension of cells within the inner fluid chamber 104. For example, the inner fluid chamber 104 may be partially filled with primary cells, or cells from a cell line, that have been suspended in cell media. The cell centrifugation consumable 100 may then be placed into a centrifuge, where the culturing time is short (e.g., a few seconds). The cell centrifugation consumable 100 may also be placed into an incubator and incubated for a considerably longer time, from several minutes to several days.

In embodiments, the method 700 includes a step 712 of centrifuging the cell centrifugation consumable 100 to concentrate the cells as a cell pellet 120 in the collection chamber 116 with a supernatant 131 remaining in the inner fluid chamber. The method 700 further includes a step 716 of removing a first portion of the supernatant 131 from the tapered portion 112 of the inner fluid chamber 104 via the supernatant fluid port 132. For example, the fluid removal apparatus, such as a suction device may introduce needle or pipette tip into into the first septum 304 and draw out the supernatant 131 via the supernatant fluid port 132 and the supernatant fluid port tubing 316.

In embodiments, the method 700 further includes a step 720 of removing a second portion of the supernatant from the collection chamber via the decanting port. For example, the cell concentration consumable 100 may be manually or automatically (e.g., via a robot) tilted, as shown in FIG. 4. The supernatant 131 may then enter into the decanting space 130 via the decanting port 136.

In embodiments, the method 700 may further include a step of rotating the cell centrifugation consumable 100 from a vertical position with the collection chamber 116 at the bottom to a decanting position at least 90° from the vertical position. Rotating the cell centrifugation consumable at least 90° ensures that a considerable amount of supernatant 131 is removed from the inner fluid chamber 104 so that the cell pellet 120 may be further processed. As detailed herein, the decanting position may be any position less or greater than 90° including but not limited to 85, 88, 89, 91, 93, 95, 100, or 110 degrees from the vertical position. Once the cell centrifugation has been tilted or rotated, the method 700 may further include draining the second portion of the supernatant 131 from the collection chamber 116 through the decanting port 136 into the decanting space 130.

In embodiments, the method 700 further includes a step of rotating the cell centrifugation consumable 100 to the vertical position. For example, after the supernatant 131 has been removed from the inner fluid chamber 104 via the decanting port 136, the cell centrifugation consumable is then rotated manually or automatically to the vertical or near vertical position. In embodiments, the method 700 further includes a step of providing additional fluid to the collection chamber 116 via the collection chamber fluid port 204. For example, a cell resuspension fluid may be introduced into the cell centrifugation consumable 100 via the first septum 304, where it enters into the cell collection chamber 116 via the collection chamber fluid port 204. Once the additional fluid is added to the collection chamber, the method 700 progresses to the next step of resuspending the cell pellet 120 using the additional fluid. The resuspension of the cell pellet 120 may occur solely due to the addition of the additional fluid or may also include a coordinated movement of the cell centrifugation consumable 100 (e.g., shaking, tilting, or rotating) along with the addition of the additional fluid.

In embodiments, the cell centrifugation consumable 100 is removably connected, or couplable, to an automated robotic system. For example, the automated robotic system may include a robotic arm configured to clamp onto, or otherwise couple to, the cell centrifugation consumable 100, and move the cell centrifugation consumable between different workstations, such as a centrifuge. In another example, the automated robotic system may clamp onto, or otherwise secure to, the cell centrifugation consumable 100 within a rack that is itself integrated within the automated robotic system. For instance, while the cell centrifugation consumable 100 is secured to the rack, the automated robotic system my move various instruments, such as septum-piercing pipets, to the cell centrifugation consumable 100 in a coordinated matter. In another instance, the rack itself may be mobile and configured to move the cell centrifugation consumable 100 to different stations (e.g., a pipetting station) within the automatic robotic system. The cell centrifugation consumable 100 may have one or more attachment points 608a-b couplable to the robotic arm, rack, or other aspect of the automated robotic system

In embodiments, the method 700 further includes a step of using the automated robotic system to move the cell centrifugation consumable 100 to a centrifuge for centrifugation. For example, the automated robotic system may include a robotic arm that couples to the attachment points 608a-b of the cell centrifugation consumable 100 and places the cell centrifugation consumable 100 into the rotor assembly of the centrifuge. After the centrifugation is completed, the automated robotic system may then remove the cell centrifugation consumable 100 from the rotor (e.g., via the robotic arm).

In embodiments, the method 700 may further include a step of using the automated robotic system to move the cell centrifugation consumable to a mixer for decanting to remove the second portion of the supernatant from the collection chamber via the decanting port. For example, the automated robotic system may move the cell centrifugation consumable 100 post-centrifugation to the mixer. The mixer may then tilt or rotate the cell centrifugation consumable 100, allowing a portion of the supernatant 131 to be transferred to the decanting space 130 via the decanting port 136. The decanting may occur after a first portion of the supernatant has been removed via the supernatant fluid port 132. The method 700 may further include a step of using the automated robotic system to remove the cell centrifugation consumable from the mixer. It should be noted that the steps of centrifugation and mixing may be carried out via separate devices, or via a single device that can perform the centrifugation and mixer steps.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating an example environment 800 for using the cell centrifugation consumable 100, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure. The example environment includes an automated robotic system 804 that includes an automated robotic system platform 804. The automated robotic system platform 808 includes a rack 812 for holding the cell centrifugation consumable 100. The automatic robotic system platform 808 may further include one or more robotics tools 816, such as a robotic arm or an automatic pipettor, for moving the cell centrifugation consumable 100 or adding/removing fluid. For example, the robotic tool 816 may be configured to move the cell centrifugation consumable to and from the centrifuge 820 as well as to and from the mixer 824. In some embodiments, the automated robotic system includes the mixer 824 and/or centrifuge 820.

EXAMPLES

The following examples are illustrative and should not be interpreted to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

Example 1

Protocol for Processing of Cell Solution Using the Cell Centrifugation Consumable 100. The protocol includes steps performed by the automated robotic system 804.

(1) The cell centrifugation consumable 100 will be pulled from a storage rack by a robot tool 816 (e.g., robot arm) and loaded onto an automated robotic system platform 808.

(2) The cell centrifugation consumable 100 will be partially or wholly filled with a suspended cell culture or cell solution.

(3) The robot will move the cell centrifugation unit 100 to the centrifuge 820. (4) The centrifuge will concentrate the cells into a pellet within the cell centrifugation consumable 100. For example, the centrifugation will concentrate the cells into a pellet ranging from 0.1 ml to 13 ml.

(5) The robot tool 816 will move the cell centrifugation consumable 100 to the automated robotic system platform 808.

(6) The automatic robotic system platform will remove most of the supernatant 131 from the cell centrifugation consumable 100. For example, a remaining 15ml within the cell centrifugation consumable 100 will include an unknown mix of supernatant and cell pellet.

(7) The robot tool 816 will move the cell centrifugation consumable 100 to the mixer 824.

(8) The mixer 824 will rotate the cell centrifugation consumable 100 along a long axis (e.g., from vertical) until the cell centrifugation consumable 100 is approximately 90 degrees from vertical. For example, the cell centrifugation consumable 100 may be rotated to a point approximately 90 degrees to 95 degrees from vertical.

(9) The remaining supernatant 131 will be decanted from the inner fluid chamber 104 to the outer decanting chamber 128 via the decanting port 136. The cell pellet 120 will remain in the collection chamber 116, as the collection chamber 116 is configured with a geometry that holds the cell pellet in place. This decanting feature permits the removal of remaining supernatant 131 without knowing the cell pellet size.

(10) The robot moved the cell centrifugation consumable 100 from the mixer 824 to the automated robotic system platform 808.

(11) Buffer solution is added to the cell pellet 120 in order to resuspend the cell culture and allow removal of cells from the cell centrifugation consumable 100.

(12) The cell centrifugation consumable 100 is reused or discarded. For example, the cell centrifugation consumable 100 may be reused multiple times for a single patient.

It is to be understood that embodiments of the methods disclosed herein may include one or more of the steps described herein. Further, such steps may be carried out in any desired order and two or more of the steps may be carried out simultaneously with one another. Two or more of the steps disclosed herein may be combined in a single step, and in some embodiments, one or more of the steps may be carried out as two or more sub-steps. Further, other steps or sub-steps may be carried in addition to, or as substitutes to one or more of the steps disclosed herein. Although inventive concepts have been described with reference to the embodiments illustrated in the attached drawing figures, equivalents may be employed and substitutions made herein without departing from the scope of the claims. Components illustrated and described herein are merely examples of a system/device and components that may be used to implement embodiments of the inventive concepts and may be replaced with other devices and components without departing from the scope of the claims. Furthermore, any dimensions, degrees, and/or numerical ranges provided herein are to be understood as non-limiting examples unless otherwise specified in the claims.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A cell centrifugation consumable, comprising: an inner fluid chamber comprising a tapered portion having a collection chamber at a narrow end of the tapered portion; a supernatant fluid port disposed within the tapered portion outside of the collection chamber; an outer decanting chamber surrounding and fluidly coupled to the inner fluid chamber such that a decanting space is formed between the outer decanting chamber and the inner fluid chamber; and a decanting port configured to fluidly couple the inner fluid chamber to the decanting space.

2. The cell centrifugation consumable of claim 1, wherein the decanting port includes an antireturn feature comprising a raised edge of a wall of the inner fluid chamber.

3. The cell centrifugation consumable of claim 1, wherein the tapered portion comprises a conical shape.

4. The cell centrifugation consumable of claim 1, wherein the collection chamber comprises a cylindrical shape.

5. The cell centrifugation consumable of claim 1, wherein the collection chamber includes a collection chamber fluid port.

6. The cell centrifugation consumable of claim 5, wherein the collection chamber fluid port is coupled to a fluid source, wherein the fluid source is configured to deliver fluid to the collection chamber fluid port to resuspend a cell pellet in the collection chamber.

7. The cell centrifugation consumable of claim 6, wherein the collection chamber fluid port is coupled to the fluid source via a first resealable septum.

8. The cell centrifugation consumable of claim 7, wherein the supernatant fluid port is coupled to a fluid removal apparatus, wherein the fluid removal apparatus is configured to remove fluid from the tapered portion outside of the inner fluid chamber and leave fluid remaining in the collection chamber.

9. The cell centrifugation consumable of claim 8, wherein the decanting port is configured such that rotation of the inner fluid chamber by at least 90° transfers the fluid remaining in the collection chamber to the decanting space.

10. The cell centrifugation consumable of claim 9, wherein the supernatant fluid port is coupled to the fluid source via a second resealable septum.

11. The cell centrifugation consumable of claim 10, wherein the inner fluid chamber comprises a flanged edge, and wherein the decanting port comprises an opening between the flanged edge and a side wall of the inner fluid chamber.

12. The cell centrifugation consumable of any one of claims 10 or 11, wherein at least one of the first resealable septum or the second resealable septum is disposed within the flanged edge.

13. The cell centrifugation consumable of any of the preceding claims, further comprising a lid configured to attach at an open end of the inner fluid chamber opposite the collection chamber.

14. The cell centrifugation consumable of claim 13, further comprising at least one air port disposed within the lid.

15. The cell centrifugation consumable of any of the preceding claims, wherein the inner fluid chamber comprises a volume of 500ml.

16. A method for centrifugation of a sample, comprising: providing a cell centrifugation consumable including: an inner fluid chamber comprising a tapered portion having a collection chamber at a narrow end of the tapered portion, a supernatant fluid port disposed within the tapered portion outside of the collection chamber, an outer decanting chamber surrounding and fluidly coupled to the inner fluid chamber such that a decanting space is formed between the outer decanting chamber and the inner fluid chamber, and a decanting port configured to fluidly couple the inner fluid chamber to the decanting space; culturing a suspension of cells within the inner fluid chamber; centrifuging the cell centrifugation consumable to concentrate the cells as a cell pellet in the collection chamber with a supernatant remaining in the inner fluid chamber; removing a first portion of the supernatant from the tapered portion of the inner fluid chamber via the supernatant fluid port; and removing a second portion of the supernatant from the collection chamber via the decanting port.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein removing a second portion of the supernatant from the collection chamber via the decanting port further comprises: rotating the cell centrifugation consumable from a vertical position with the collection chamber at the bottom to a decanting position at least 90 degrees from the vertical position, and draining the second portion of the supernatant from the collection chamber through the decanting port into the decanting space.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the collection chamber of the cell centrifugation consumable includes a collection chamber fluid port, and wherein the method further comprises: rotating the cell centrifugation consumable to the vertical position, providing additional fluid to the collection chamber via the collection chamber fluid port, and resuspending the cell pellet using the additional fluid.

19. The method of any one of claims 16-18, wherein the cell centrifugation consumable is removably connected to an automated robotic system.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein centrifuging the cell centrifugation consumable further comprises: using the automated robotic system to move the cell centrifugation consumable to a centrifuge for centrifugation, and using the automated robotic system to remove the cell centrifugation consumable from the centrifuge following centrifugation.

21. The method of claim 19, wherein removing a second portion of the supernatant from the collection chamber via the decanting port further comprises: using the automated robotic system to move the cell centrifugation consumable to a mixer for decanting to remove the second portion of the supernatant from the collection chamber via the decanting port, and using the automated robotic system to remove the cell centrifugation consumable from the mixer.