DISPOSABLE CARTRIDGE COOPERATING WITH A PLATFORM IN A FLEXIBLE SYSTEM FOR HANDLING AND/OR MANIPULATING FLUIDS

Abstract

The invention is comprised among apparatus and/or devices for manipulating and handling fluids. The invention relates to the integration of these apparatus and/or devices in a system for manipulating and/or handling any type of fluids. Specifically, the invention relates to a disposable cartridge and a platform cooperating with one another in a flexible system for manipulating fluids, as well as a flexible system for manipulating fluids. More particularly, the present invention is intended for culture cells.

Claims

1. A disposable cartridge for cooperating with a platform in a system for culturing cells, characterized in that the disposable cartridge comprises: at least one bioreaction chamber suitable for storing and/or handling fluids therein, a duct network configured for circulating fluids therein and for being in fluid communication with the interior of the at least one bioreaction chamber, and a flow control means for controlling the flow of fluid circulating through the duct network, the flow control means for controlling the flow of fluid being configured for connecting with actuation means of the platform through a first multiconnector, wherein the fluids to be circulated in the duct network and the fluids to be stored and/or handled in the bioreaction chamber are culture media, or a liquid medium, or cells, or any combination thereof.

2. The disposable cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that the flow control means for controlling the flow of fluid are configured for connecting, in fluid communication, with the actuation means of the platform through the first multiconnector.

3. The disposable cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that the flow control means for controlling the flow of fluid is configured for connecting, in electrical communication, with the actuation means of the platform through the first multiconnector.

4. The disposable cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that the disposable cartridge comprises a plurality of receptacles connected to the duct network suitable for storing fluids therein and configured for being in fluid communication with one another and/or with the interior of the at least one bioreaction chamber.

5. The disposable cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one bioreaction chamber is configured for receiving at least a first initial product coming from a first prechamber through the duct network.

6. The disposable cartridge according to claim 5, characterized in that the at least one bioreaction chamber is configured for receiving a second initial product coming from a second prechamber by means of the duct network, preferably through the first prechamber (13).

7. The disposable cartridge according to claim 5, characterized in that the disposable cartridge comprises the at least a first prechamber suitable for storing at least a first initial product, wherein this first prechamber comprises a first inlet for introducing therein the first initial product.

8. The disposable cartridge according to claim 6, characterized in that the first prechamber comprises a second inlet for introducing a second initial product coming from the second prechamber.

9. The disposable cartridge according to claim 7, characterized in that the disposable cartridge comprises conditioning means configured for conditioning at least one of the initial products before being introduced into the interior of the at least one bioreaction chamber.

10. The disposable cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that the disposable cartridge comprises means for driving the circulation of the fluid contained in the at least one bioreaction chamber through the duct network.

11. A platform for cooperating with the disposable cartridge according to claim 1, in a system for culturing cells, characterized in that the platform comprises: an actuation means adapted for acting on the flow control means for controlling the flow of fluid of the disposable cartridge, a second multiconnector configured for connecting the first multiconnector of the disposable cartridge and the actuation means, and a control unit configured for controlling the operation of the actuation means and the disposable cartridge.

12. (canceled)

13. (canceled)

14. The platform according to claim 11, characterized in that the platform comprises a storage module configured for being in fluid communication with the disposable cartridge and for maintaining a pre-established temperature therein.

15. A system for culturing cells, comprising: a disposable cartridge according to claim 1, and a platform for cooperating with the disposable cartridge, characterized in that the platform comprises: an actuation means adapted for acting on the flow control means for controlling the flow of fluid of the disposable cartridge, a second multiconnector configured for connecting the first multiconnector of the disposable cartridge and the actuation means, and a control unit configured for controlling the operation of the actuation means and the disposable cartridge.

16. A platform for cooperating with the disposable cartridge according to claim 2, in a system for culturing cells, characterized in that the platform comprises: an actuation means adapted for acting on the flow control means for controlling the flow of fluid of the disposable cartridge, a second multiconnector configured for connecting the first multiconnector of the disposable cartridge and the actuation means, and a control unit configured for controlling the operation of the actuation means and the disposable cartridge, wherein the actuation means is a gas distribution means, and the gas distribution means is configured for being in fluid communication with the disposable cartridge through the first multiconnector and second multiconnector.

17. The platform according to claim 16, characterized in that the platform comprises a storage module configured for being in fluid communication with the disposable cartridge and for maintaining a pre-established temperature therein.

18. A platform for cooperating with the disposable cartridge according to claim 3, in a system for culturing cells, characterized in that the platform comprises: an actuation means adapted for acting on the flow control means for controlling the flow of fluid of the disposable cartridge, a second multiconnector configured for connecting the first multiconnector of the disposable cartridge and the actuation means, and a control unit configured for controlling the operation of the actuation means and the disposable cartridge, wherein the actuation means is an electric current distribution means, and the electric current distribution means is configured for being in electrical communication with the disposable cartridge through the first multiconnector and second multiconnector.

19. The platform according to claim 18, characterized in that the platform comprises a storage module configured for being in fluid communication with the disposable cartridge and for maintaining a pre-established temperature therein.

Description

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0074] These and other features and advantages of the invention will be more clearly understood based on the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment given only by way of illustrative and non-limiting example in reference to the attached drawings.

[0075] FIG. 1A schematically shows a particular example of a flexible system according to the present invention.

[0076] FIG. 1B schematically shows a particular example of a flexible system according to the present invention.

[0077] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the platform according to a particular example of the present invention.

[0078] FIG. 3A shows a perspective view of the housing structure of the disposable cartridge according to a particular example of the present invention.

[0079] FIG. 3B shows a rear view of the housing structure of the disposable cartridge according to a particular example of the present invention.

[0080] FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of a detail of the flexible system according to a particular example of the present invention.

[0081] FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of a detail of the flexible system according to another particular example of the present invention.

[0082] FIG. 6 schematically shows a particular example of a section of a flexible system according to the present invention.

[0083] FIG. 7 schematically shows a particular example of a section of a flexible system according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0084] FIGS. 1 to 5 show a particular example of the present invention in which the flexible system (1) is a system for culturing cells. In this particular example, the chamber (4) is a bioreaction chamber and the fluids are culture media, culture media with cells and/or cleaning liquid.

[0085] FIGS. 1A to 1B schematically show a system (1) for culturing cells, the system (1) comprising a platform (2) and a disposable cartridge (3) cooperating with one another.

[0086] In particular, the disposable cartridge (3) shown in FIGS. 1A to 1B has a bioreaction chamber (4) for culturing cells which is in fluid communication with a first prechamber (13) in which an initial product, such as a culture medium and the cells suspended therein, for example, is stored. Furthermore, the chamber (4) is in fluid communication with a first reservoir (11) in which the desired end product, such as the cells cultured in a culture medium, for example, is stored. In turn, the bioreaction chamber (4) is in fluid communication with a residue receptacle (10) in which leftover residual fluids coming from the bioreaction chamber (4), such as leftover culture medium, for example, are stored. In particular, FIG. 1B furthermore shows a cleaning receptacle (12) in which the cleaning liquid or PBS is stored. In this particular example, the prechamber (13) has a first inlet (14) through which the cells are introduced, and a second inlet (15) through which the culture medium is introduced (as shown in FIG. 7). The second inlet (15) is in fluid communication with a second prechamber (16) arranged in the storage module (17) of the platform (2) (as shown in FIG. 1B). Before the culture medium coming from the second prechamber (16) is introduced into the first prechamber (13), it will pass through heating means (20) which heat this culture medium, i.e., they change its temperature for introducing it into said first prechamber (13) together with the initial cells. In FIGS. 1A to 1B, the chamber (4) and the different receptacles or devices arranged in the shown systems are in fluid communication with one another through a duct network (5) formed by a plurality of tubes or ducts. Each of the flow control means for controlling the flow of fluid is connected with a first multiconnector (9a) through tubes or ducts through which compressed air coming from actuation means (7) located in the platform (2) circulates. These flow control means for controlling the flow of fluid are a combination of valves (6) and pumps (30, 37). In these examples in particular, the valves (6) are pinch valves and the pumps (30, 37) are peristaltic pumps for driving the fluid (30) and/or micropumps (6). In particular, the micropumps (37) are part of the disposable cartridge and are in fluid communication with the first multiconnector (9a), whereas the peristaltic pumps (30) for driving the fluid are formed by pump motors (36) that are located in the platform (2) (not shown in the drawing) and by pump heads (23) that are located in the disposable cartridge (3) (as shown in detail in FIG. 5) and coupled to said pump motors (36).

[0087] The first multiconnector (9a) arranged in the disposable cartridge (3) is coupled to the second multiconnector (9b) arranged in the platform (2). Furthermore, the second multiconnector (9b) is connected to the actuation means (7) by means of tubes or ducts through which compressed air that will be conveyed to the flow control means of the disposable cartridge (3) for operating same circulates.

[0088] The platform (2) shown in both FIGS. 1A to 1B furthermore has a control unit (18) controlling the disposable cartridge (3), the actuation means (7), and the storage module (17).

[0089] In a particular example of cell culture, the storage module (17) has therein a temperature of 4° C., whereas the housing structure (21) in which the disposable cartridge (3) is housed has a temperature of 37° C.

[0090] In particular, the flexible system (1) shown in FIG. 1B furthermore has two sensors (26) located in the duct network (5). These sensors (26) are configured for detecting properties of interest of the fluid circulating through the duct network (5).

[0091] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the platform (2) of a system (1) for the cell culture without any of the components of the disposable cartridge (3). As seen in said drawing, the platform (2) comprises a storage module (17) arranged at one end of the platform (2), this storage module (17) being understood as a refrigerator as it stores therein, for example culture medium, cleaning liquid or other fluids, at a specific temperature, which is preferably lower than the temperature of the disposable cartridge (3) or the structure or compartment in which the disposable cartridge (3) is fixed to the platform (2).

[0092] The platform (2) furthermore has at the other end thereof a first compartment (28) configured for housing the disposable cartridge (3) therein. In turn, the platform (2) comprises in a lower part with respect to the first compartment (28), a second compartment (24) suitable for accommodating the first reservoir (11), the residue receptacle (10) and the heating means (20). The first compartment (28) of the platform (2) comprises a male structure (22) on which the housing structure (21) of the disposable cartridge (3) will be fixed through its female structure (8) (fixing means). Furthermore, the first compartment (28) of the platform (2) comprises a fixing structure (19) in which there are located motors (36) (not shown) of the peristaltic pumps (30) on which the heads (23) of said peristaltic pumps (30) of the disposable cartridge (3) are coupled or fixed (as seen in detail in FIG. 5). This first compartment (28) further comprises the actuation means (7) (not shown in the drawing) which are in fluid communication with the flow control means of the disposable cartridge (3) through the first multiconnector (9a) (not shown in the drawing) and the second multiconnector (9b). In this particular example, the platform (2) has two second multiconnectors (9b).

[0093] The first compartment (28) of the platform (2) has a first door (29) closing said first compartment (28). In turn, the second compartment (24) has a second door (31) closing this second compartment (24). So each compartment (24, 28) can be accessed independently of one another, such that it advantageously allows extracting, for example, the end product from the reservoir (11) or the residues stored in the residue receptacle (10) without having to interfere with the first compartment (28). In particular, the first door (29) of the first compartment (28) has a first window (32) which advantageously allows being able to see the interior of the compartment during the cell culture process.

[0094] Likewise, the platform (2) has a control unit (18) arranged between the storage module (17) and the first compartment (28). The control unit (18) comprises a display (33) on which information about the cell culture is shown, in addition to information relating to the storage module (17) and the first compartment (28).

[0095] In a particular example, the platform comprises the storage module (17), a control unit (18) and a plurality of first compartment (28) and second compartment (24). Different cell culture processes can therefore be carried out at the same time, all of them being controlled by the control unit (18).

[0096] FIGS. 3A to 3B show a housing structure (21) of the disposable cartridge (3) in which the chamber (4), among other components (not shown in the drawings), is housed. FIG. 3A shows a perspective view of said housing structure (21), where it can be observed in more detail that this structure comprises a series of holes (34) through which the different connections and/or communication of the disposable cartridge (3) with the platform (2) and with the actual components integrated in said disposable cartridge (3) are made. The housing structure (21) comprises a first part in which the holes (34) are arranged, and a second part which is understood as a cover of the housing structure (21). This cover or second part of the housing structure has a second window (35) through which the interior of said housing structure (21), and accordingly the elements integrated therein, can be seen. Furthermore, this second part or cover of the housing structure (21) has closure means through which the second parte closes and/or fits together with the first part such that the housing structure (21) appears as a closed structure or compartment. FIG. 3B shows a rear view of the housing structure (21), particularly the first part of this structure, in which the female structure (8) (fixing means) which is configured for being coupled and/or fixed to the male structure (22) of the platform (2), can be seen.

[0097] FIGS. 4 to 5 show perspective views of the compartments (24, 28) of the platform (2) and the disposable cartridge (3) fixed to said platform (2). The manner in which the housing structure (21) is coupled to the platform (2) in the first compartment (28) thereof can be seen in both drawings. There can be seen in this first compartment (28) two second multiconnectors (9b) arranged one after another, in addition to two heads (23) of peristaltic pumps (30) coupled on the pump motors (36) located in the fixing structure (19) of the platform (2). These drawings furthermore show a second compartment (24) in which the first reservoir (11), the residue receptacle (10), and the heating means (20) are located. In turn, the second compartment (24) has through grooves (27) through which the tubes and/or ducts that are part of the duct network (5) pass, said tubes and/or ducts putting the second prechamber (16), arranged in the storage module (17) (not shown), in fluid communication with the disposable cartridge (3) through the heating means (20). Furthermore, as shown in both FIGS. 4 and 5, two sterile connectors (25) that are part of the disposable cartridge (3) and are suitable for keeping the fluid communication along the duct network (5) in the system (1) sterile are coupled to the first compartment (28).

[0098] FIG. 5 shows the same perspective as FIG. 4 and the different connections and/or communications between the components integrated in the compartments (24, 28). Two heads (23) of peristaltic pumps (30) of the disposable cartridge (3) which are coupled to a fixing structure (19) of the platform (2) in which the pump motors are located can be seen in this FIG. 5. These pump heads (23) are in fluid communication with the interior of the housing structure (21) by means of the duct network (5) through the holes (34). It can be seen in particular how the each pump head (23) has a duct inlet and a duct outlet of the duct network (5) of the disposable cartridge (3). FIG. 5 furthermore shows two first multiconnectors (9a) each coupled to a second multiconnector (9b), and how these multiconnectors are in fluid communication with the interior of the housing structure (21) through a series of tubes and/or ducts through which compressed air coming from the actuation means (7) circulates. In this particular example, the actuation means (7) are compressed air distribution means, such as a compressed air distribution rack, for example.

[0099] FIG. 5 also shows how both the residue receptacle (10) and the reservoir (11) are in fluid communication, independently of one another, with the interior of the housing structure (21) by means of the duct network (5) through the holes (34). These ducts (5) communicating said receptacles (10, 11) with the interior of the housing structure must be sterile, therefore there are sterile connectors (25) connected to each duct (5) to thereby keep said communication sterile.

[0100] Likewise, FIG. 5 shows how the heating means (20) are in fluid communication with the interior of the housing structure (21) by means of the duct network (5) through the holes (34) (shown in FIG. 3A).

[0101] FIGS. 6 and 7 schematically show the first prechamber (13) having a first inlet (14) through which the initial cells are introduced into the interior of the first prechamber (13), and a second inlet (15) through which the culture medium is introduced into the interior of the first prechamber (13). Furthermore, it shows how the first prechamber (13) is connected to the chamber (4) through the duct network (5), particularly through a tube/duct on which a pinch valve (6) is located for regulating the passage of cells suspended in the culture medium to the interior of the chamber (4).

[0102] FIG. 7 furthermore shows how the second inlet (15) is connected with a second prechamber (16) which is located in a storage module (17) arranged in the platform (2), this second prechamber (16) storing therein culture medium under specific temperature conditions. The connection between the second inlet (15) and the second prechamber (16) is carried out through the duct network (5), particularly through a tube/duct on which a pinch valve (6) is located for regulating the passage of the culture medium to the second inlet (15).

[0103] In a preferred illustrative embodiment as “embodiment 1”, a

[0104] disposable cartridge (3) for cooperating with a platform (2) in a flexible system (1) for handling and/or manipulating fluids, preferably a cell culture, characterized in that the disposable cartridge (3) comprises:

[0105] at least one chamber (4) suitable for storing and/or handling fluids therein,

[0106] a duct network (5) configured for circulating fluids therein and for being in fluid communication with the interior of the at least one chamber (4), and

[0107] flow control means for controlling the flow of fluid circulating through the duct network (5), the flow control means for controlling the flow of fluid being configured for connecting with actuation means (7) of the platform (2) through a first multiconnector (9a).

Embodiment 2

[0108] The disposable cartridge (3) according to “embodiment” 1, characterized in that the flow control means for controlling the flow of fluid are configured for connecting, in fluid communication, with the actuation means (7) of the platform (2) through the first multiconnector (9a).

Embodiment 3

[0109] The disposable cartridge (3) according to “embodiment” 1, characterized in that the flow control means for controlling the flow of fluid are configured for connecting, in electrical communication, with the actuation means (7) of the platform (2) through the first multiconnector (9a).

Embodiment 4

[0110] The disposable cartridge (3) according to any of the preceding “embodiments”, characterized in that it comprises a plurality of receptacles connected to the duct network (5) suitable for storing fluids therein and configured for being in fluid communication with one another and/or with the interior of the at least one chamber (4).

Embodiment 5

[0111] The disposable cartridge (3) according to any of the preceding “embodiments”, characterized in that the at least one chamber (4) is configured for receiving at least a first initial product coming from a first prechamber (13) through the duct network (5).

Embodiment 6

[0112] The disposable cartridge (3) according to “embodiment 5”, characterized in that the at least one chamber (4) is configured for receiving a second initial product coming from a second prechamber (16) by means of the duct network (5), preferably through the first prechamber (13).

Embodiment 7

[0113] The disposable cartridge (3) according to any of “embodiments” 5 or 6, characterized in that it comprises the at least a first prechamber (13) suitable for storing at least a first initial product, wherein this first prechamber (13) comprises a first inlet (14) for introducing therein the first initial product.

Embodiment 8

[0114] The disposable cartridge (3) according to “embodiments” 6 and 7, characterized in that the first prechamber (13) comprises a second inlet (15) for introducing a second initial product coming from the second prechamber (16).

Embodiment 9

[0115] The disposable cartridge (3) according to any of “embodiments” 7 to 8, characterized in that it comprises conditioning means (20) configured for conditioning at least one of the initial products before being introduced into the interior of the at least one chamber (4).

Embodiment 10

[0116] The disposable cartridge (3) according to any of the preceding “embodiments”, characterized in that it comprises means for driving the circulation of the fluid contained in the at least one chamber (4) through the duct network (5).

Embodiment 11

[0117] A platform (2) for cooperating with the disposable cartridge (3) according to any of “embodiments” 1 to 10, in a flexible system (1) for handling and/or manipulating fluids, preferably a cell culture, characterized in that it comprises:

[0118] actuation means (7) adapted for acting on the flow control means for controlling the flow of fluid of the disposable cartridge (3), a second multiconnector (9b) configured for connecting the first multiconnector (9a) of the disposable cartridge (3) and the actuation means (7), and a control unit (18) configured for controlling the operation of the actuation means (7) and the disposable cartridge (3).

Embodiment 12

[0119] The platform (2) according to “embodiment 11”, characterized in that the actuation means (7) are gas distribution means and they are configured for being in fluid communication with the disposable cartridge (3) through the first multiconnector (9a) and second multiconnector (9b) when the disposable cartridge (3) is according to “embodiment 2”.

Embodiment 13

[0120] The platform (2) according to “embodiment 11”, characterized in that the actuation means (7) are electric current distribution means and they are configured for being in electrical communication with the disposable cartridge (3) through the first multiconnector (9a) and second multiconnector (9b) when the disposable cartridge (3) is according to “embodiment 3”.

Embodiment 14

[0121] The platform (2) according to any of “embodiments” 11 to 13, characterized in that it comprises a storage module (17) configured for being in fluid communication with the disposable cartridge (3) and for maintaining a pre-established temperature therein.

Embodiment 15

[0122] A flexible system (1) for handling and/or manipulating fluids, preferably a cell culture, comprising: [0123] a disposable cartridge (3) according to any of “embodiments” 1 to 10, and [0124] a platform (2) according to any of “embodiments” 11 to 14.