To advance workflow automation in cell therapy production, Thermo Fisher Scientific has launched the Thermo Scientific™ Heracell™ VIOS™ 250i AxD CO2 Incubators. These pioneering CO2 incubators are tailored for integration into automated and modular labs. Known for optimal cell growth conditions and minimal contamination risk, the VIOS family now features patent-pending automated door control. This innovation enables the Heracell VIOS AxD CO2 incubator to open automatically when connected to a centralized lab automation platform, allowing robotic control for vessel loading and unloading and supporting continuous cell therapy production.
Emerging cell therapy manufacturers, along with biotech and pharmaceutical companies, aim to automate the production of cultured cells without compromising quality. The Heracell VIOS Incubator’s new design modernizes cell therapy production while maintaining robust contamination control features.
“Human handling and complex processes limit the widespread availability of advanced cell therapies for treating cancer, autoimmune, and orphan diseases. Automation can significantly enhance the economic and safety aspects of therapy production,” said Douglas Wernerspach, Senior Business Director and General Manager of CO2 Growth, Protection, and Separation products at Thermo Fisher. “Few automation solutions on the market accommodate multiple large sample vessels in various lab workflows. This novel CO2 Incubator brings us closer to fully automated labs.”
The Heracell VIOS 250i AxD CO2 Incubators are the most advanced in the VIOS lineup. They ensure excellent cell culturing conditions, which are crucial for maintaining the critical quality attributes of cells. These incubators support large-scale automated cell therapy production, marking a significant step forward in improving human health through enhanced cell and gene therapy manufacturing processes. Key features include:
- In-chamber HEPA filtration captures all particles, protecting cultures from airborne contaminants whenever the door is opened.
- Thermo Scientific™ THRIVE™ active airflow ensures uniform culturing conditions throughout the incubator chamber.
- The Thermo Scientific Steri-Run™ Cycle, proven to achieve a 12-log sterility assurance level, eliminates over one million biological indicators for both dry heat and autoclave sterilization, doing so in half the lethal time used in production models.
