Cell Therapy Bioprocessing Solutions

On this page:

Powering results across cell therapy workflows

Cell therapy development depends on consistent, scalable processes that maintain quality from early research through commercial manufacturing. cGMP-ready bioprocessing solutions link collection, processing, and testing within connected, data-informed workflows. Using modular systems, defined reagents, and automation tools, Thermo Fisher Scientific helps enable teams to enhance productivity by simplifying manufacturing, reducing variability, and protecting cell integrity. With established materials and dedicated global support, we collaborate with customers to strengthen process reliability and move therapies toward the clinic with confidence.

Enhance cell therapy workflows with automation

Manual and disconnected steps can introduce variability, slowing progress and complicating scale-up. Our automation-ready systems connect cell therapy processes, improving reproducibility and efficiency across research and manufacturing. Integrated digital control and closed processing capabilities support data integrity, regulatory readiness, and consistent cell quality throughout development.

Cell collection and tracking

Accurately collecting and securely tracking samples is crucial for maintaining integrity. Our solutions support apheresis, cold-chain management, and digital traceability to help maintain cell viability and chain-of-custody accuracy from donor to manufacturing site.

Cell isolation

Enhance process consistency and product quality with efficient cell isolation. The Gibco CTS DynaCellect Magnetic Separation System facilitates productivity by enabling closed, automated isolation and activation, helping to reduce contamination risk and variability.

Cell engineering

Maintain therapy performance with reliable cell modification. The Gibco CTS LV-MAX Lentiviral Production System and Gibco CTS Xenon Electroporation System drive efficient, scalable cell engineering, supporting safety and enhancing performance.
 

Cell expansion

Increase yield and maintain cell function to drive consistent therapy outcomes. The Gibco OpTmizer One SFM and Gibco CTS Immune Cell Serum Replacement promote controlled growth and support stable phenotypes during expansion.

 

Fill, finish, and cryopreservation

Final formulation and storage directly influence cell viability. Automated fill-finish systems, controlled-rate freezers, and cryogenic storage solutions maintain productivity, traceability, and consistent product quality throughout the preservation process.

 

Characterization and safety testing

Assess quality quickly before patient administration. Flow cytometry and qPCR deliver high-resolution insights into identity and purity, while rapid sterility and mycoplasma assays help confirm microbial safety, accelerating lot release and supporting regulatory confidence.

Solutions for diverse cell therapies

Different cell therapies demand highly tailored process conditions. Our flexible, modular solutions are engineered to adapt to chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cells, natural killer (NK) cells, and stem cells. These solutions enhance productivity and advance reliability in cell therapy bioprocessing.

CAR T-cells


Advance CAR T-cell manufacturing with control from isolation through formulation. Closed, modular systems and reagents support both viral and nonviral engineering approaches. Using tools such as Gibco CTS Detachable Dynabeads magnetic beads, Gibco CTS DynaCellect, and Gibco CTS Xenon, developers can optimize efficiency and scale production within compliant, automated workflows.

Natural killer cells

Drive NK cell therapy development with defined culture conditions and efficient cell modification solutions. Gibco media, recombinant cytokines, and scalable electroporation systems enhance productivity by supporting NK cell expansion and transfection, maintaining cytotoxic function and consistent phenotype across production runs.

Stem cells


Maintain stem cell quality during expansion and differentiation with precise environmental control. Preserve cell identity and function using cell culture media, supplements, and single-use technologies, driving consistent growth, scalability, and downstream compatibility.

Automate cell therapy manufacturing

Manual processing can increase variability and make it difficult to maintain throughput and traceability. Gibco CTS Cellmation Software connects Thermo Fisher Scientific cell therapy instruments within a unified digital environment, reducing manual touchpoints and supporting compliant, traceable data management across manufacturing stages.

Scale processes with confidence

Scaling cell therapy manufacturing can increase complexity and risk to quality and cost control. cGMP-manufactured materials, single-use technologies, and regulatory documentation support predictable, compliant scale-up. These solutions enable teams to maintain process consistency from development to commercial production.

Collaboration that accelerates innovation


Strategic collaboration helps shorten development timelines and strengthen process design. Through the Advanced Therapies Collaboration Program, Thermo Fisher Scientific connects developers with process professionals, translational services, and shared innovation centers.

Frequently asked questions

Cell therapy bioprocessing solutions are integrated systems, reagents, and digital tools designed to support the development and manufacture of cell-based therapies. These solutions include cell culture media, supplements, bioreactors, automated systems, and quality control methods that help enable consistent growth, modification, and preservation of therapeutic cells. They support productivity by helping to maintain cell viability, functionality, and safety throughout the production process, facilitating the reliable delivery of effective cell therapies.

Maintaining consistency when scaling cell therapy processes is challenging due to variability, especially with open or manual methods. Closed and automated systems, like the Gibco CTS Rotea Counterflow Centrifugation System and DynaCellect, enhance control and reproducibility. These systems support consistent processing and scalability across manufacturing stages, from process development to commercial production.

Stable T-cell growth and phenotype can be supported using defined media, supplements, and activation tools. OpTmizer One SFM and Immune Cell Serum Replacement enable consistent, serum-free culture conditions. Together with Gibco CTS DynaMag magnets and Gibco CTS Dynabeads magnetic beads, these solutions maintain early-memory T-cell phenotypes while reducing dependence on human serum in manufacturing processes.

Analytical assays such as flow cytometry and quantitative PCR are used to confirm cell identity and purity. PCR-based sterility and mycoplasma assays offer faster results than traditional culture-based methods, shortening turnaround times while supporting regulatory compliance. The combination of methods offers insights into cell characterization and product quality before release.

Managing costs during scale-up requires minimizing manual steps and variability. Standardizing consumables and integrating automated systems can help reduce material waste and labor demands. Single-use technologies further support cost control by simplifying changeover and cleaning requirements, enabling predictable, scalable production across different manufacturing phases.

During process development, Thermo Fisher Scientific offers access to regulatory documentation such as Certificates of Analysis (COAs), data sheets, and technical files. Teams can also work with technical specialists for guidance on workflow setup, documentation, and process transfer to help maintain consistency and compliance across development stages.

Discover cell therapy resources


Access practical tools and technical materials to support various stages of cell therapy development. The Cell Therapy Resource hub includes application notes, workflow guides, regulatory documentation, and case studies focused on process optimization, automation, and scale-up.

Explore other bioprocessing applications

Thermo Fisher Scientific supports a broad range of bioprocessing applications, including monoclonal antibody (mAb) production, gene therapy, messenger RNA (mRNA), and vaccine manufacturing. Our solutions connect processes across modalities to improve efficiency and maintain quality from research through commercial scale.

For research use or further manufacturing. Not for diagnostic use or direct administration into humans or animals.