Precision Fluid Dynamics in Cell & Gene Therapy Bioreactors

How Precision Fluid Connectors Master Shear Stress in Cell & Gene Therapy Bioreactors

The dawn of Cell & Gene Therapy (CGT) has ushered in a new era of medicine, promising cures for previously intractable diseases. From pioneering treatments for cancer to addressing rare genetic disorders, these living medicines represent the pinnacle of biotechnology and personalized healthcare. At the heart of developing and manufacturing these life-changing therapies exists the intricate art of bioprocessing, particularly within bioreactors where delicate cells are cultivated and expanded.

The nurturing of these sensitive biological entities, especially precious stem cells, presents unique challenges. The journey from research to large-scale biomanufacturing is fraught with potential pitfalls, none more critical than managing the fluid dynamics within the single-use systems and bioreactors. This is where every connection, every flow path, and every material choice can mean the difference between therapeutic success and costly failure.

Shear Stress and the Fragility of Stem Cells

Imagine growing a delicate flower in a hurricane. This isn’t far from the challenge faced by cell culture engineers. Cells, particularly sensitive ones like stem cells used in advanced regenerative medicine, are incredibly susceptible to mechanical forces. One of the most insidious of these forces is shear stress – the friction exerted on cells by moving fluids or the surfaces they interact with. Excessive shear stress can damage cell membranes, inhibit growth, induce unwanted differentiation, or even lead to cell death, directly impacting the quality and viability of the final therapeutic product.

Connecting different parts inside a bioreactor makes things complicated. We often need various types and sizes of connectors, which means the tubes might need to change size or direction. If these changes aren’t designed perfectly, they can create choppy flow and areas of high stress that can harm delicate cells. Also, the shape of the bioreactor itself and how the fluid is stirred greatly affect how the liquid moves, directly impacting these stressful forces. A poorly designed fluid path can ruin a batch of cells, wasting valuable resources and slowing down treatments for patients.

Brevet’s Precision Solution provides Engineered Connections for Cell Viability

At Brevet, we understand that the future of Cell & Gene Therapy hinges on absolute control over the fluid path. Our expertise in precision fluidics and custom fluid management solutions positions us uniquely to address these intricate challenges. We don’t just supply connectors; we engineer critical links designed to protect your most valuable assets – your cells.

Our aseptic connectors and specialized reducers are at the forefront of this effort. Unlike generic, off-the-shelf components, Brevet’s connectors are designed with specific considerations for sensitive bioprocessing environments. This includes:

Optimized Geometry for Gentle Flow: Our reducers and connectors are meticulously designed to ensure smooth, laminar flow transitions, even when connecting tubing of dramatically different diameters. This minimizes turbulent zones and significantly reduces shear stress on cells, preserving their viability and functionality.
Biocompatible & Pharmaceutical-Grade Materials: We utilize only top-tier materials like USP Class VI certified polycarbonate and other specialized polymers, ensuring there’s no leaching or adverse interaction with the cell media. This commitment to pharmaceutical-grade components is non-negotiable for CGT applications.
Cleanroom Manufacturing Excellence: Every component destined for a biopharma application, especially in aseptic processing, is manufactured in our certified cleanroom facilities. This strict control over the production environment virtually eliminates contamination risks, providing peace of mind for our clients.
Customization for Unique Systems: Recognizing that every bioreactor setup and biomanufacturing process is unique, Brevet excels in providing custom solutions. Whether it’s a bespoke connector geometry for a novel fluid agitation method or a complex single-use assembly tailored for specific cell culture needs, our engineering team collaborates closely with clients to deliver exact specifications.

By addressing the very points where sensitive cells are most vulnerable – at connections and transitions – Brevet’s products become integral to successful cell and gene therapy development and production. Our focus on precision manufacturing ensures consistency and reliability, allowing researchers and manufacturers to focus on their breakthroughs.

Enabling Breakthroughs and Accelerating Therapies

For our clients in the Cell & Gene Therapy space, partnering with Brevet means tangible benefits that directly impact their mission:

Enhanced Cell Viability and Yield: By significantly reducing shear stress, our connectors help maximize the number of viable cells harvested from bioreactors, improving overall product yield and reducing waste of expensive media and reagents.
Reduced Contamination Risk: Our aseptic connectors and cleanroom manufacturing protocols provide an unparalleled level of sterility assurance, minimizing the risk of costly and dangerous contamination events.

Accelerated Development and Scalability: With reliable, precision-engineered fluid paths, researchers can move from lab-scale drug discovery to larger biomanufacturing volumes with greater confidence and less re-validation, shortening time-to-market for life-saving therapies.
Supply Chain Confidence: As a trusted OEM manufacturing partner, Brevet offers supply chain stability, ensuring that critical components are available when needed, without compromising on quality.

Partnering for Progress and Your Fluid Path to Success

The future of medicine rests on the ability to master complex biological processes, and the reliable transfer of fluids is at the core of these advancements. Brevet is more than a supplier; we are an integral partner in your journey. Our commitment to precision fluidics, pharmaceutical-grade quality, and custom solutions ensures that your bioreactors operate at peak efficiency, protecting your valuable cell populations and accelerating your therapies to patients.

Don’t let fluid dynamics be the Achilles’ heel of your Cell & Gene Therapy process. Connect with Brevet’s experts to design the next generation of fluid management solutions that will safeguard your research and elevate your biomanufacturing capabilities.

Explore Brevet’s custom bioprocessing connectors and assemblies today. Request a Custom Quote.