Automated cell processing systems and methods

[0324] The present technology will be more readily understood by reference to the following examples, which are provided for the purpose of illustrating the invention and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any way.

[0325] Unless otherwise defined or clearly dictated by context, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. It should be understood that any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present invention.

[0327] I. Introduction of samples.

[0328] step 1. The transfer tray 322 is to store biological samples (batches) (e.g., cell samples, tissue samples, biological samples (e.g., protein or antibodies) or other samples) are transferred from the isolator 120 to the housing 110. The container holders 410 are transferred by the robot module 700 from the transfer tray 322 to a predetermined location on the deck 910 (or into the storage area 300 until ready to be transferred on the deck 910).

[0329] The rest of the description uses cell or tissue samples (two days are required between medium replacement with fresh medium during culture) as batches and is for illustration purposes only. From reading the following description and throughout the remainder of this application, one of skill in the art will understand how the system processes biological, chemical or other samples.

[0330] II. Sample Preparation.

[0331] step2. The robotic decapper 830 opens the sample container and