T. Breeders, Inc.

Jill Friberg

Morey Kraus

Paul T Wilder

Methods and systems are provided for the selective expansion of target cell populations, and methods of treating patients with cell populations and products.

Selective expansion of target cell populations

A method is provided for selective expansion of a predetermined target population of cells, including (a) introducing a starting sample of cells into a growth medium; (b) causing cells of the predetermined target cell population to divide; and (c) concurrently with, intermittently during, or following step (b) contacting the starting cells with a selection element, comprising a plurality of selective binding molecules with specific affinity either for target cells or for non-target cells to select cells of said predetermined target population from other cells in the growth medium. Systems are provided for selective expansion and methods of treating patients with cell populations and products.

A system is provided for selective clonogenic expansion of relatively undifferentiated cells, including (a) a tube containing a plurality of beads of a size which permits a plurality of the undifferentiated cells to grow thereon, the beads bearing on their surfaces a selective binding molecule which binds to a surface antigen present on the relatively undifferentiated cells, wherein the antigen is not present on the surfaces of the relatively differentiated cells; (b) means for continuously providing nutrients to the relatively undifferentiated cells growing on the beads, wherein the nutrients are delivered via a fluid which flows through the tube and past the beads; and (c) means for continuously harvesting the relatively undifferentiated cells downstream of the beads.

Growing community of inventors

Seattle, WA, United States of America

Jill Friberg