Cell therapy bags and kits - single use

Reproducible and reliable processes are essential in the regulated field of cell therapy manufacturing. Because producing cell therapies for clinical research or manufacturing is a multistep process with many components and variables, the materials used can have an outsized influence on the quality of the final product. Autologous cell therapies (those derived from a patient and engineered to treat that same patient) were historically produced using open, manual processes, which can introduce risk of error and inconsistency. Closed systems reduce the risk of contamination and error by minimizing contact between the cells, media, and other components with the environment or operators. Automated cell therapy manufacturing also supports robust processes. Most closed systems use single-use technologies to eliminate the risk of contamination.

Optimizing cell therapy processes

The major steps of cell therapy production include isolation of cells from tissue or blood, gene transfer (for genetically engineered cells such as CAR-T), expansion of cells, harvesting and formulation, and cryopreservation for storage or transport.

Each of these steps involves the use of components such as bioreactor bags, storage containers, tubes, valves, connectors, and other components. When such components are single use, they’re sterilized and packaged until needed, then discarded after use. This minimizes the risks of contamination that can occur with reusable components. Click to learn more about the sustainability of single-use products.

Cell therapy bags FAQs

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about cell therapy bags.

What are cell therapy bags?
Cell therapy bags, or bioreactor bags, are used for cell culture in cell therapy manufacturing processes. Our Xuri™ Cellbag™ bioreactors provide a suitable environment for expanding cells during cultivation while minimizing the risk of cross-contamination. They’re manufactured from multilayer USP class VI plastics and require no sterilization or cleaning steps.

What cell therapy bags and kits are available from Cytiva?
We offer single-use kits and materials for apheresis, isolation, cryopreservation, harvesting, and formulation, as well as single-use bioreactor bags for cell culture. Our Xuri™ single-use cell therapy bags are available in a range of working volumes (from 300 mL to 25 L) and are supplied with the required tubing pre-attached to simplify setup. They’re designed for use with the Xuri™ Cell Expansion System W25.

How are cells grown in a bioreactor bag?
The Xuri™ Cellbag™ bioreactor is mounted onto a rocking platform attached to the base of a Xuri™ Cell Expansion System and inflated. Culture medium and cells are then loaded into the Xuri™ Cellbag™ bioreactor via ports on the bag surface. An electric motor in the base creates a rocking motion that induces waves in the cell culture fluid to provide efficient mixing and gas transfer. The rocking platform's motion, speed, and angle can be adjusted to suit different cell types and culture conditions.