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Overview

Cell therapy research is a rapidly advancing field. Multiple cell therapies are now commercially available across the world to treat certain hematological disorders. A plethora of clinical trials for investigational therapies addressing a wide range of diseases like cancer, autoimmune disease and genetic disorders are using autologous or allogeneic cells with rapidly evolving cell engineering and editing approaches. A common theme in cell therapy research is the need to understand cell phenotypes and heterogeneity at every step of the process, including characterization and development of predictive biomarkers and cells isolated from patients as input for cell therapy manufacturing. 

 

Flow cytometry is a powerful tool to characterize cell phenotypes to define critical quality attributes for cell therapy products such as cell viability, identity, potency and purity. Flow cytometry assays are performed at different stages during the development and manufacturing of cell therapy products. Assays are often transferred between multiple manufacturing sites for the final release and QC of therapeutic products.

A Flow Cytometry Partner
at Every Level

BD Biosciences is your global partner in single-cell analysis. We provide extensive scientific resources and tools that enable high-dimensional analysis, automation and standardization because we are committed to partnering with you so that you can advance your cell therapy research programs by delivering high-quality solutions that support your 21 CFR Part 11 compliance.

 
A Flow Cytometry Partner at Every Level
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Cell Therapy Development Journey

 

Cell Therapy Development Journey

Research & Development

During the early stages of cell therapy research, a critical priority for process and product development is to characterize starting material and understand the biology, cell phenotype and function while maximizing data output. Our flexible innovative high-throughput single-cell multiomics platform and high-dimensional flow cytometers allow in-depth characterization of cell function and research for the development of predictive biomarkers. 

 

Manufacturing QC

In cell therapy manufacturing QC, BD’s automated and easy-to-use research flow cytometers, certain of BD’s research reagents manufactured according to GMP standards, and BD’s software that support your 21 CFR Part 11 compliance and lab information systems may be crucial for your product release in accordance with GMP guidelines by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). 

 

All user-defined flow cytometry research assays used for manufacturing QC release of products must be validated and verified by the user. The user must comply with applicable local regulations and obtain appropriate Health Authority approval as necessary for their intended use.


Optimizing manufacturing processes to reduce complexity and improve scalability requires use of automated technologies. Flow cytometry solutions that are standardized across instruments allow data comparison and consistency of results across manufacturing sites and seamless tech transfers.

Research & Development
Manufacturing QC
Deep Single-cell Insights
Customizable Workflow
Bioinformatics

Simultaneous protein and mRNA analysis to characterize single cells

The BD Rhapsody HT Single-Cell Analysis System enables single-cell capture with reliable and reproducible results with minimal site-to-site variability making it suitable for translational, multi-center, multi-cohort studies. One readout can be used to analyze both protein and mRNA, reducing experimental time and increasing information derived from a single experiment. BD® AbSeq Antibody-Oligonucleotide Conjugates allows high-parameter protein expression data simultaneously with single-cell RNA-Seq data to significantly improve your understanding of individual cells. For example, targeted panels like the BD Rhapsody TCR/BCR Multiomic Assay Kit allow protein and whole transcriptome mRNA analysis to comprehensively understand immune cell function. Using genomic and proteomic information from single-cell analysis, you can concentrate on cells of interest for a deeper understanding. The BD FACSymphonyS6 Cell Sorter enables sorting of populations by using up to 50 parameters to define populations deep in your gating hierarchy. The detection technology in the BD FACSymphonyA5 SE Cell Analyzer has enhanced resolution across the visible spectrum to identify and analyze rare cell types. 

 

Learn more about the single-cell multiomics approach to comprehensively identify the gene and protein signature of T-cells.

 

Customizable end-to-end solutions with workflow flexibility for multiomic and single-cell analysis

The BD FACSymphony Cell Analyzers leverage the benefits of high-parameter flow cytometry for simultaneous measurements, depending on the system, of up to 50 different characteristics of a single cell, accommodating your workflow needs. The BD FACSymphonyA5 SE Cell Analyzer offers flexibility with an optical design that enables both spectral unmixing and compensation workflows. Our broad array of flow cytometry reagents including BD Horizon BrilliantDyes, and BD Horizon RealYellow™ and BD Horizon RealBlue™ Fluorochromes with more than 9,000 human immunology research reagents can support cell therapy research. Made on demand, the BD OptiBuild Reagents also provide lot-to-lot consistency that can be tailored to your requirements. At your disposal is a wide range of custom products including BD® Abseq Reagents, instruments, conjugates, multicolor panels and cocktails to fit your needs.

 

BD products provide unique customizable end-to-end solutions with workflow flexibility for multiomic analysis and single-cell isolation of specific, rare cell populations. Led by you for your specific purpose, our team of scientists and experts can help with panel design, reagent selection, assay implementation, workflow optimization and experimental troubleshooting.

 

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Data Visualization and Bioinformatics tools to enable complex analysis

High-dimensional experiments result in more data to analyze, visualize and organize. Using the advanced computational tools within FlowJoSoftware, the leading software for flow cytometry analysis,* or Data Analysis pipelines, a tool providing visualization and tertiary analysis for single-cell multiomics analysis, you can unlock the insights from your data, with accessible features across a wide breadth of research applications. FlowJo Software enables flow cytometry data analysis with accessible features for immunophenotyping, cell cycle, proliferation, kinetics studies, quantitative population comparison, plate screening assays and more. Create publication worthy graphics using advanced algorithms through our plugin interface to analyze your high-dimensional data with the latest techniques to drive your research and discovery forward. 

 

BD® Research Cloud, now available in the U.S., is a unique cloud-based ecosystem for the organization of and collaboration around flow cytometry experiments. The powerful software allows you to track experiments through customizable workflows, design new panels and create BD FACSDivaSoftware-based experiments away from the cytometer enabling efficiency, visibility and collaboration for your discovery work. 

*In 2021, FlowJoSoftware was cited in leading immunology peer-reviewed journals 80% of the time a flow cytometry analysis software package was cited.

 

Efficiency
Reproducible & standardized
21 CFR Part 11 compliance
Work with a trusted partner

Automated sample preparation and antibody cocktail preparation to improve efficiency

Flow cytometry sample preparation can be automated using the BD FACSLyric Flow Cytometer integrated with the BD FACSDuet Premium Sample Preparation System. The sample preparation system is designed to complement and physically integrate with the flow cytometer to provide a complete end-to-end walkaway solution. This system helps streamline workflow and drive productivity while allowing for on-board automated antibody cocktail preparation which eliminates risk of errors due to manual pipetting. It supports different types of blood collection tubes and a wide variety of reagent vials delivering flexibility. The BD FACSLyric Flow Cytometer enables efficiency and productivity with automated laser alignment and compensation stability over 60 days and allows flexibility for acquisition using a universal loader with 21 different loading options including multiwell plates. The distinctive assay portability feature allows easy and efficient transferability of assays across sites.

 

A study demonstrated that samples prepared with 20x BD Multitest™ 6-color TBNK Reagent + BD Trucount Tubes on the automated BD FACSDuet™ System Integrated with BD FACSLyric Flow Cytometer vs. manual preparation led to:

 

Consistent reagent and instrument performance enables global collaboration

The BD FACSLyric Flow Cytometer has a unique assay portability feature that allows transfer of user-defined assays from one instrument to another, providing standardization and reproducible results across global manufacturing sites. This high-performance, highly sensitive flow cytometer demonstrates exceptional resolution and improved separation to make dim and rare populations easier to resolve. The BD FACSDuet Premium Sample Preparation System provides accuracy and consistency in operation by minimizing manual intervention and an intuitive software interface minimizing training and variations due to different operators’ experience.  

 

Contract manufacturing of ready-to-use multicolor reagents panels in liquid, dried, or lyophilized formats are customized to your specifications and requirements. Dried and lyophilized reagents are manufactured using proprietary BD HorizonDri Chroma Reagent technology and BD Horizon Lyo Reagent technology, respectively and have extended stability compared to liquid reagents. All-in-one tube format reduces the need for manual pipetting and cocktailing which improves consistency, reduces operator errors and day-to-day variability and saves time. Certain preformulated dried reagent cocktails are available, like BD HorizonDri TBNK + CD20 Panel  for cell therapy research workflows.

apps1

Functions in BD FACSuite™ Application assist in supporting 21 CFR Part 11 compliance and electronic record integrity

Our flagship analyzer, BD FACSLyricFlow Cytometer is upgradeable to a 12-color configuration. It is powered by the BD FACSuite Application used for acquisition and analysis that helps to support 21 CFR Part 11 compliance with password protection, electronic signatures, automatic record keeping and audit trails. We provide operational qualification (OQ) by a BD field service engineer for features related to 21 CFR Part 11 compliance for the BD FACSLyric Flow Cytometer and the BD FACSuite™ Application. The BD FACSDuet Premium Sample Preparation System allows traceability of samples and worklists through carrier barcoding and supports ISO 15189-accredited labs with compliance with complete workflow traceability.

 

Global install base with guaranteed technical service support

With you in the driver’s seat and BD as your single partner for flow cytometry reagents, instruments and services you will benefits from synergies in user workflows and support provided.  BD Technical Services offer installation qualification (IQ), operational qualification (OQ) and technical service support to minimize instrument downtime. BD offers qualification assistance to help customers meet current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) and Good Laboratory Practice (cGLP) standards. Explore our contract manufacturing offering of multicolor panels in liquid, dried or lyophilized formats to minimize errors and time associated with manual cocktailing of reagents. The BD FACSLyric Flow Cytometer has an install base of more than 3,000 units globally.

 

    Deep Single-cell Insights Down Up

    Simultaneous protein and mRNA analysis to characterize single cells

    The BD Rhapsody HT Single-Cell Analysis System enables single-cell capture with reliable and reproducible results with minimal site-to-site variability making it suitable for translational, multi-center, multi-cohort studies. One readout can be used to analyze both protein and mRNA, reducing experimental time and increasing information derived from a single experiment. BD® AbSeq Antibody-Oligonucleotide Conjugates allows high-parameter protein expression data simultaneously with single-cell RNA-Seq data to significantly improve your understanding of individual cells. For example, targeted panels like the BD Rhapsody TCR/BCR Multiomic Assay Kit allow protein and whole transcriptome mRNA analysis to comprehensively understand immune cell function. Using genomic and proteomic information from single-cell analysis, you can concentrate on cells of interest for a deeper understanding. The BD FACSymphonyS6 Cell Sorter enables sorting of populations by using up to 50 parameters to define populations deep in your gating hierarchy. The detection technology in the BD FACSymphonyA5 SE Cell Analyzer has enhanced resolution across the visible spectrum to identify and analyze rare cell types. 

     

    Learn more about the single-cell multiomics approach to comprehensively identify the gene and protein signature of T-cells.

     

    Customizable Workflow Down Up

    Customizable end-to-end solutions with workflow flexibility for multiomic and single-cell analysis

    The BD FACSymphony Cell Analyzers leverage the benefits of high-parameter flow cytometry for simultaneous measurements, depending on the system, of up to 50 different characteristics of a single cell, accommodating your workflow needs. The BD FACSymphonyA5 SE Cell Analyzer offers flexibility with an optical design that enables both spectral unmixing and compensation workflows. Our broad array of flow cytometry reagents including BD Horizon BrilliantDyes, and BD Horizon RealYellow™ and BD Horizon RealBlue™ Fluorochromes with more than 9,000 human immunology research reagents can support cell therapy research. Made on demand, the BD OptiBuild Reagents also provide lot-to-lot consistency that can be tailored to your requirements. At your disposal is a wide range of custom products including BD® Abseq Reagents, instruments, conjugates, multicolor panels and cocktails to fit your needs.

     

    BD products provide unique customizable end-to-end solutions with workflow flexibility for multiomic analysis and single-cell isolation of specific, rare cell populations. Led by you for your specific purpose, our team of scientists and experts can help with panel design, reagent selection, assay implementation, workflow optimization and experimental troubleshooting.

     

    apps1
    Bioinformatics Down Up

    Data Visualization and Bioinformatics tools to enable complex analysis

    High-dimensional experiments result in more data to analyze, visualize and organize. Using the advanced computational tools within FlowJoSoftware, the leading software for flow cytometry analysis,* or Data Analysis pipelines, a tool providing visualization and tertiary analysis for single-cell multiomics analysis, you can unlock the insights from your data, with accessible features across a wide breadth of research applications. FlowJo Software enables flow cytometry data analysis with accessible features for immunophenotyping, cell cycle, proliferation, kinetics studies, quantitative population comparison, plate screening assays and more. Create publication worthy graphics using advanced algorithms through our plugin interface to analyze your high-dimensional data with the latest techniques to drive your research and discovery forward. 

     

    BD® Research Cloud, now available in the U.S., is a unique cloud-based ecosystem for the organization of and collaboration around flow cytometry experiments. The powerful software allows you to track experiments through customizable workflows, design new panels and create BD FACSDivaSoftware-based experiments away from the cytometer enabling efficiency, visibility and collaboration for your discovery work. 

    *In 2021, FlowJoSoftware was cited in leading immunology peer-reviewed journals 80% of the time a flow cytometry analysis software package was cited.

     

    Efficiency Down Up

    Automated sample preparation and antibody cocktail preparation to improve efficiency

    Flow cytometry sample preparation can be automated using the BD FACSLyric Flow Cytometer integrated with the BD FACSDuet Premium Sample Preparation System. The sample preparation system is designed to complement and physically integrate with the flow cytometer to provide a complete end-to-end walkaway solution. This system helps streamline workflow and drive productivity while allowing for on-board automated antibody cocktail preparation which eliminates risk of errors due to manual pipetting. It supports different types of blood collection tubes and a wide variety of reagent vials delivering flexibility. The BD FACSLyric Flow Cytometer enables efficiency and productivity with automated laser alignment and compensation stability over 60 days and allows flexibility for acquisition using a universal loader with 21 different loading options including multiwell plates. The distinctive assay portability feature allows easy and efficient transferability of assays across sites.

     

    A study demonstrated that samples prepared with 20x BD Multitest™ 6-color TBNK Reagent + BD Trucount Tubes on the automated BD FACSDuet™ System Integrated with BD FACSLyric Flow Cytometer vs. manual preparation led to:

     

    Reproducible & standardized Down Up

    Consistent reagent and instrument performance enables global collaboration

    The BD FACSLyric Flow Cytometer has a unique assay portability feature that allows transfer of user-defined assays from one instrument to another, providing standardization and reproducible results across global manufacturing sites. This high-performance, highly sensitive flow cytometer demonstrates exceptional resolution and improved separation to make dim and rare populations easier to resolve. The BD FACSDuet Premium Sample Preparation System provides accuracy and consistency in operation by minimizing manual intervention and an intuitive software interface minimizing training and variations due to different operators’ experience.  

     

    Contract manufacturing of ready-to-use multicolor reagents panels in liquid, dried, or lyophilized formats are customized to your specifications and requirements. Dried and lyophilized reagents are manufactured using proprietary BD HorizonDri Chroma Reagent technology and BD Horizon Lyo Reagent technology, respectively and have extended stability compared to liquid reagents. All-in-one tube format reduces the need for manual pipetting and cocktailing which improves consistency, reduces operator errors and day-to-day variability and saves time. Certain preformulated dried reagent cocktails are available, like BD HorizonDri TBNK + CD20 Panel  for cell therapy research workflows.

    apps1
    21 CFR Part 11 compliance Down Up

    Functions in BD FACSuite™ Application assist in supporting 21 CFR Part 11 compliance and electronic record integrity

    Our flagship analyzer, BD FACSLyricFlow Cytometer is upgradeable to a 12-color configuration. It is powered by the BD FACSuite Application used for acquisition and analysis that helps to support 21 CFR Part 11 compliance with password protection, electronic signatures, automatic record keeping and audit trails. We provide operational qualification (OQ) by a BD field service engineer for features related to 21 CFR Part 11 compliance for the BD FACSLyric Flow Cytometer and the BD FACSuite™ Application. The BD FACSDuet Premium Sample Preparation System allows traceability of samples and worklists through carrier barcoding and supports ISO 15189-accredited labs with compliance with complete workflow traceability.

     

    Work with a trusted partner Down Up

    Global install base with guaranteed technical service support

    With you in the driver’s seat and BD as your single partner for flow cytometry reagents, instruments and services you will benefits from synergies in user workflows and support provided.  BD Technical Services offer installation qualification (IQ), operational qualification (OQ) and technical service support to minimize instrument downtime. BD offers qualification assistance to help customers meet current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) and Good Laboratory Practice (cGLP) standards. Explore our contract manufacturing offering of multicolor panels in liquid, dried or lyophilized formats to minimize errors and time associated with manual cocktailing of reagents. The BD FACSLyric Flow Cytometer has an install base of more than 3,000 units globally.

     

BD Ask the Expert
A webinar going over 21 CFR Part 11 Compliance. Watch and learn about the:
  • Background and overview of 21 CFR Part 11 - Requirements for compliance
  • Importance of data security practices for open vs. closed systems - Crucial role software plays in enabling 21 CFR Part 11 compliance - Guidelines for electronic signatures and records

Why BD?

  • Reliable technical support from our deep resource network including scientific and technical domain experts, field application specialists, instrument field service and flexible training support.
  • Large global install base of flow cytometry analyzers and sorters in academic labs and industry that facilitates collaboration. 
  • Integrated portfolio of solutions with single-cell multiomics instruments, flow cytometers and sorters in conjunction with a variety of GMP and custom reagents offerings and specialized informatics capabilities to support the entire cell and gene therapy development continuum.
  • Standardization with the BD FACSLyricFlow Cytometer with high sensitivity and improved resolution and easy assay transfer across instruments and global sites.
  • Efficient workflow with automated sample preparation on the BD FACSLyricFlow Cytometer integrated with the BD FACSDuet Premium Sample Preparation System.
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"We developed a multi-dimensional technique that can simultaneously capture antigen specificities, TCR sequences, targeted gene expression and surface-protein expression from tens of thousands of single cells. Our method involves loading the cells onto the BD Rhapsody™ Single-Cell Analysis System for profiling. We tested TetTCR-SeqHD using human polyclonal CD8+ T cells with known antigen specificity and TCR sequences to check its accuracy. Our results demonstrated the technology has more than 98% precision for detecting antigen specificity.” 2

"We developed a multi-dimensional technique that can simultaneously capture antigen specificities, TCR sequences, targeted gene expression and surface-protein expression from tens of thousands of single cells. Our method involves loading the cells onto the BD Rhapsody™ Single-Cell Analysis System for profiling. We tested TetTCR-SeqHD using human polyclonal CD8+ T cells with known antigen specificity and TCR sequences to check its accuracy. Our results demonstrated the technology has more than 98% precision for detecting antigen specificity.” 2

Jenny Jiang
Associate Professor
University of Pennsylvania

"So it's all about helping people as quickly as possible, making drugs to help with as many diseases as possible. And flow cytometry allows us to get to that next goal. And BD is constantly coming up as the frontrunner in the technology."

"So it's all about helping people as quickly as possible, making drugs to help with as many diseases as possible. And flow cytometry allows us to get to that next goal. And BD is constantly coming up as the frontrunner in the technology."

Timothy Cook
Principal Scientist/Manager, Flow Cytometer Technology Center
Pfizer
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