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Novel wicking bioreactor for T-cell expansion

This project will develop a novel, wicking matrix bioreactor (WMB) for automated expansion and recovery of hematopoietic cells for therapeutic applications, including immunooncology.
Categories
Cell and Gene therapies
Equipment and Supplies
Project status
100% Completed

Solution

Performance Period: 9/1/2021 to 2/28/2023

This project will develop a novel, wicking matrix bioreactor (WMB) for automated expansion and recovery of hematopoietic cells for therapeutic applications, including immunooncology. Proof of principle experiments will employ Jurkat cells as a model T cell line and will demonstrate 50-fold expansion in the WMB with greater than 90% recovery and at least 90% viability. Novel cell removal strategies may include thermo-responsive polymers to reduce cell damage upon removal from the matrix. In parallel, we will develop an automation and control system and demonstrate similar results for Jurkat cell culture in this automated, closed system. Finally, we will transition to an end-user environment and demonstrate utility of the WMB system for expansion and recovery of edited primary hematopoietic cells with high recovery and no change in cellular phenotype.

Impacts

Accelerated development of cell therapy products through automation

Positive environmental impact through cost and energy savings from small footprint

Publications

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Project Lead

Sepragen Corporation

Sepragen Corporation

Participating Organizations

Genentech, Inc.

Genentech, Inc.

Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC

Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC

The Research Foundation for the State University of New York, on behalf of State University of New York Polytechnic Institute

The Research Foundation for the State University of New York, on behalf of State University of New York Polytechnic Institute