Automated Cell Expansion: Trends & Outlook of Critical Technologies

Abstract

Cell therapy products (CTP) are set to experience a surge in demand by the mass market in the coming decade. Automation is expected to play a key role in meeting this demand. In this review, we summarize the features of current automated cell expansion systems and highlight some of the trends and promising developments. The focuses of current systems are enabling scalability, maintaining sterility, eliminating contamination and controlling quality. To attain full automation of CTP manufacturing, several challenges have to be overcome. We identify challenges pertaining to scalability via sterile reconnections, direct cell measurements for cell-specific quality control, logistical issues in traceability, temperature control during transport, as well as administrative burden of regulations. Ultimately, automation would ensure product quality and repeatability at a lower labor cost.