Processor apparatus for use in a system for maintaining and growing biological cells

A processor apparatus for use in combination with a portable, self-contained cell growth cassette, separate from the processor apparatus and configured to receive, maintain and grow biological cells ex vivo, wherein the portable cassette includes a cell growth chamber configured to carry a quantity of biological cells and growth media and further includes a media flow path communicating with the cell growth chamber, the cell growth chamber and the media flow path being part of a sterilizable system that is closed to the external environment, and wherein the processor apparatus functions to prime the cell growth chamber with a growth medium and to distribute the biological cells within the cell growth chamber, the processor apparatus comprising:

• a support configured to removably receive, and mechanically couple to, the portable cassette, and further configured to be movable in a controlled manner;
• a flow control actuator mechanically engageable with the media flow path of the portable cassette when the cassette is received by, and mechanically coupled to, the support;
• and
• a controller that controls the flow control actuator, such that the flow control actuator causes a quantity of the growth medium to be controllably transported via the media flow path to the cell growth chamber of the portable cassette, and that controllably moves the support, and thereby the portable cassette, in a predetermined manner, such that the biological cells are distributed throughout the cell growth chamber, without operator intervention and without exposing the closed, sterilizable system to the external environment.