Automation solution for stem cell therapy: The AUTOSTEM platform

Personalized (autologous) stem cell therapy is a promising approach in treatment of different diseases, though many technical issues must be solved. To date, manufacturing of therapeutic cells is time-consuming, labor-intensive and susceptible to contaminations and human error. For manufacturing of cell products, efficient, cost-effective, and reproducible platforms need to be developed. Automated, robotic and closed production systems can address clinical-scale production of therapeutic cells effectively.

To fulfill their quality criteria, Fraunhofer IPT developed the AUTOSTEM platform – a closed, automated system for the manufacture of clinical-grade therapeutic mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) grown on microcarriers^{1, 2}. This robotic platform integrated the NucleoCounter^® NC-3000™ for monitoring cell count and viability.
The NucleoCounter^® NC-3000™ provides a robust and precise means to effectively determine viability and total cell count of MSCs. Cell sampling, staining and counting chamber loading are all combined into one single step with the Via1-Cassette™, which ensures consistency and robustness between different users and measuring instruments. Cell processing GMP facilities benefit from the simple operation and consistent results. Furthermore, the NucleoCounter^® NC-3000™ can be set in Remote Control Mode, whereby the software can be controlled by third party control software, for the integration of the instrument in automated setups. This makes it the perfect instrument for implementing in automated cell manufacturing processes.

Fraunhofer IPT developed the AUTOSTEM platform within the EU project of the same name: http://www.autostem2020.eu/.

1. Rafiq, Q.A., et al., Developing an automated robotic factory for novel stem cell therapy production. Regenerative Medicine, 2016. 11(4): p. 351-354

2. Ochs, J., et al., Automation of cell & gene therapy manufacturing: From vein to vein. Cell Gene Therapy Insights, 2017. 3(8): p. 739-748.