Automation substantially reduces production time and cost, making CAR‑T therapies faster, more affordable and accessible to more patients. The microfactory is composed of various modules through which a cassette progresses step by step. Each patient requires one cassette for every process step; T cells receive the required treatments inside it. During the cell modification process steps, Festo’s automation components enable precise fluid handling within an extremely compact installation space. Each cassette contains an independent sterile fluid system with all elements needed for cell modification. The elements themselves are passive. Once a cassette is inserted into a module of the microfactory, it can be actuated externally.
Inside the cell cassette, T cells are exposed to viral vectors that deliver the genetic information encoding the chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) into the cells. This induces expression of the specific CAR receptor on the T cells, converting them into CAR‑T cells. Throughout the process, various media must be precisely metered into the cassette, thoroughly mixed and temperature‑controlled.
The diffusion‑bonded manifold contains a channel network that connects all regions of the cassette. Valves are integrated into the manifold and switched externally by controlling pneumatic lines to establish connections between components.
Fluid movement is driven by compressed air or vacuum. By intelligently controlling the compressed air, even minute liquid volumes can be precisely metered and conveyed within the cassette while keeping the installation space as small as possible. Afterwards, only the components that have come into contact with cells and viral vectors need to be replaced to reuse the cassette for another patient. The system allows these replacements to be performed outside a cleanroom in just a few simple steps.
Festo’s diffusion‑bonded manifold has been named one of three nominees for the 2026 HERMES Award. The HERMES Award is one of the world’s most prestigious industrial prizes, presented at Hannover Messe to recognize outstanding innovation in industry.
With flexible automation solutions, Festo helps translate innovative therapies into clinical practice and delivers cutting‑edge biotechnology where it is needed. Drawing on its portfolio of pneumatic and electric drives, software and artificial intelligence, Festo works with customers to implement seamless, end‑to‑end automation solutions.