Terumo BCT, Inc.

A method for functionalizing a hollow fiber membrane for cell expansion, differentiation, harvesting, activation, or any combination thereof of target cells (e.g., natural killer cells) includes contacting a biotinylated molecule to a surface of the hollow fiber membrane including an extracellular matrix component, the biotinylated molecule binding to the extracellular matrix component and having an affinity for the target cells. The biotinylated molecule is selected from the group consisting of: cytokine, epitope, ligand, monoclonal antibody, stains, aptamer, and combinations thereof. The extracellular matrix component selected from the group consisting of: fibronectin, vitronectin, fibrinogen, collagen, laminin, streptavidin, truncations thereof, and combinations thereof.

Embodiments described herein generally provide for expanding cells in a cell expansion system. The cells may be grown in a bioreactor, and the cells may be activated by an activator (e.g., a soluble activator complex). Nutrient and gas exchange capabilities of a closed, automated cell expansion system may allow cells to be seeded at reduced cell seeding densities, for example. Parameters of the cell growth environment may be manipulated to load the cells into a particular position in the bioreactor for the efficient exchange of nutrients and gases. System parameters may be adjusted to shear any cell colonies that may form during the expansion phase. Metabolic concentrations may be controlled to improve cell growth and viability. Cell residence in the bioreactor may be controlled. In embodiments, the cells may include T cells. In further embodiments, the cells may include T cell subpopulations, including regulatory T cells (Tregs), helper, naïve, memory, or effector, for example.

An apheresis system at least partially defines a chamber and includes centrifuge that is movable between lock and unlock states. The centrifuge includes a base, cover, lock assembly, and latch assembly. The cover engages the base and defines slots. The lock assembly is coupled to the base and rotates between latched and unlatched states. The lock assembly includes tabs and a protrusion. The tabs are in the slots of the cover. The protrusion at least partially defines a receptacle. The latch assembly is coupled to the base and includes a lever and engagement component attached thereto. In the latched state, the protrusion engages the engagement component to reduce or prevent rotation of the lock assembly. In the unlatched state, the lock assembly can rotate. In the lock state, the tabs are at least partially within the slots. In the unlock state, the cover is movable with respect to the base.

Methods and systems configured to measure content of a target substance in a fluid sample using a refractometer including a light source and a light sensor. A method includes: calibrating the refractometer by identifying a calibration pixel pattern of first pixels of the light sensor illuminated by light from the light source that has reflected off a sensing surface of a container including a reference fluid having a known reference density; identifying a blood pixel pattern of second pixels of the light sensor illuminated by light from the light source that has reflected off the sensing surface when the fluid sample is present in the container; identifying a pixel shift distance along the light sensor from the calibration pixel pattern to the fluid pixel pattern; and determining the content of the target substance in the fluid sample based on the pixel shift distance.

A method and system is provided that measures plasma protein levels of whole blood while a plasma donor is connected to an apheresis machine. A refractometer associated with the apheresis machine is capable of receiving a portion of a disposable tubing set including an integrated cuvette and prism. The integrated cuvette of the disposable tubing set can be inserted into a receiving space of the refractometer associated with the apheresis machine such that the light source and the sensor are oriented relative to the prism and a sensing surface of the integrated cuvette in a precise alignment. Calibration of the refractometer is made using anticoagulant pumped through the disposable tubing set including the integrated cuvette and prism. Based on a light intensity associated with this calibration, whole blood is then measured to determine plasma protein levels and donor eligibility.

A method includes detecting a beginning of a donation process; in response to detecting the beginning of the donation process, providing an output; determining an amount of time remaining for the donation process; in response to detecting the amount of time remaining for the donation process, updating the output; detecting a loss in pressure; in response to detecting the loss in pressure, updating the output; detecting an ending of the donation process; and in response to detecting the ending of the donation process, updating the output. The donation process may include a plasma donation using an apheresis machine. The detecting the beginning of the donation process may include detecting a flow of fluid. The output may include one or more of a light and a sound. The output may be provided on a side of an apheresis machine.

A system for minimizing a residual blood value via a plasma rinseback includes a collection bag, a return reservoir, one or more pumps, and one or more lines. The collection bag is configured to store plasma collected from a donor during a donation process. The return reservoir is configured to collect fluid remaining in the system after the donation process is complete. The one or more pumps are configured to be actuated between an operational state and a nonoperational state during the donation process and the plasma rinseback. The one or more lines are configured to couple the collection bag, the return reservoir, the one or more pumps, and the donor. The system is configured to complete the plasma rinseback to return fluid within the system to the donor after the donation process is complete.

A tube welding device for joining tubes includes a first tube-holding assembly configured to receive a first portion of a first tube and a first portion of a second tube, and a second tube-holding assembly configured to receive a second portion of the first tube and a second portion of the second tube. The first tube-holding assembly includes a first detector, and the second tube-holding assembly includes a second detector. The first and second detectors are configured to detect the presence or absence of fluid in the respective tubes and to generate signals indicative of the same. The tube welding device includes a controller configured to receive the signals, to select an appropriate tube-joining temperature in response to the presence or absence of fluid in the first and second tubes, and to cause an appropriate power level to be sent to a wafer to generate the tube-joining temperature.

A method for determining a flow model for fluid within an apheresis machine includes determining a starting flow model for an apheresis procedure, determining details of a secondary device, and generating an updated flow model based on the starting flow model and the details of the secondary device. The secondary device is configured to connect to the apheresis machine for the apheresis procedure.

A container, e.g., a bag, for processing whole blood or a whole blood component and a system for processing whole blood or a whole blood component including the container. The container includes a body and an interior chamber. The body has a bulk portion and a surface portion defining an interior surface of the body. The bulk portion of the body is formed from a polymeric composition comprising a thermoplastic polymer. The surface portion of the body includes a biocompatible material that reduces platelet activation, platelet aggregation, or adhesion of platelets to the interior surface of the body. The interior chamber is at least partially defined by the interior surface of the body.