Thermo Fisher Launches Heracell Incubators to Advance Fully Automated Labs

These incubators are designed for integration into automated laboratories, supporting continuous cell therapy production through innovative features including automated door control.

Thermo Fisher Scientific, a leader in laboratory products and services, has launched the Thermo Scientific Heracell VIOS 250i AxD CO2 Incubators to enhance the future of automated cell therapy production.

These incubators are designed for integration into automated laboratories, supporting continuous cell therapy production through innovative features such as automated door control.

The Heracell VIOS 250i AxD CO2 incubators are tailored for use in automated and modular labs, known for their cell growth conditions and minimal contamination risk.

Further, the new design incorporates a patent-pending automated door control system, enabling the incubator doors to open automatically when integrated into a lab automation platform.

This facilitates vessel loading and unloading via robotic control, which is crucial for the continuous production of cell therapies.

Highlighting the impact of automation on cell therapy production, Douglas Wernerspach, senior business director at Thermo Fisher, said, "Human handling and complex processes limit the broad availability of cutting-edge cell therapies to treat cancer, autoimmunity, and orphan diseases. Automation could be vital in producing therapies more economically and safely."

Advanced Features for Contamination Control

The Heracell VIOS 250i AxD CO2 incubators incorporate advanced features designed to maintain optimal cell culturing conditions. In-chamber HEPA filtration captures all particles, protecting cultures from airborne contaminants.

The incubators also feature Thermo Scientific THRIVE active airflow, which ensures homogeneous culturing conditions throughout the chamber.

Moreover, the Thermo Scientific Steri-Run Cycle achieves a 12-log sterility assurance level, eliminating over one million biological indicators for dry heat and autoclave sterilization in half the typical lethal time.

These features are crucial for maintaining the integrity and quality of cell cultures, particularly in automated processes where contamination control is paramount.

Enabling Large-Scale Production

The Heracell VIOS 250i AxD CO2 incubators are part of the VIOS portfolio, known for their advanced cell culturing capabilities.

These incubators support emerging automated cell therapy production processes on a large scale, aiming to improve human health by enhancing the cell manufacturing process within cell and gene therapies.

Wernerspach commented on the significance of this innovation by stating, "Very few automation solutions available on the market allow for multiple large sample vessels in various laboratory workflows. This novel CO2 Incubator brings our customers closer to a fully automated lab."

Thermo Fisher’s Recent Healthcare Developments

US-based Bio-Techne Corporation recently teamed up with Thermo Fisher Scientific to democratize access to advanced healthcare solutions.

Effective May 1, 2024, this partnership saw Thermo Fisher's European arm, the Fisher Scientific Channel, distribute Bio-Techne's extensive range of products, including antibodies, proteins, immunoassay kits, reagents, and enzymes, to research institutions and laboratories across Europe.

Recently, the Atal Incubation Centre – Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (AIC-CCMB) in Hyderabad allied with Thermo Fisher Scientific to equip AIC-CCMB’s cutting-edge facility, the Centre for Innovation, with advanced technology to support the growth and development of startups in the field.

Per the agreement, Thermo Fisher Scientific is expected to provide advanced technological infrastructure to empower scientists and entrepreneurs associated with AIC-CCMB’s Centre for Innovation.

In January, Thermo Fisher Scientific appointed Srinath Venkatesh as MD of India and South Asia. In a statement, Venkatesh highlighted his goal of advancing the company's growth and operations in India while enhancing customer value creation.

Since 1996, when Thermo Fisher established its operations in India, the company has strengthened its presence with eight manufacturing facilities, five application labs, two R&D centers, and eight distribution centers.

This was supported by an extensive network of 400-plus channel partners and approximately 4,700 employees (including PPD) strategically located in 42 cities and offices across 17 locations.