In-Bag Cell Separation with Thermo Fisher Rotea® Compatibility

Updated on Nov 6, 2025 Share Category: BACS^TM Microbubble Technology and Workflow

In this video, Akadeum Life Sciences’ Senior Field Application Scientist Crisha Christensen demonstrates how to perform closed-system, in-bag T cell isolation using Akadeum’s Human T Cell Leukopak Isolation Kit – GMP, followed by cell harvest with the Thermo Fisher CTS Rotea® Counterflow Centrifugation System. This combined workflow simplifies manual processing, shortens handling time, and supports GMP-compliant manufacturing without introducing additional instruments or open steps.

From In-Bag Isolation to Rotea Harvest

The process begins with Akadeum’s buoyancy-based microbubble technology, which enables gentle, reagent-based separation inside a standard cell processing bag. Antibody-functionalized microbubbles selectively bind to unwanted cells and float them to the top, while untouched, desired CD3+ T cells remain suspended near the bottom.

Once isolation is complete, the T cells can be transferred via sterile tube welding into the Thermo Fisher Rotea® system for washing, buffer exchange, or concentration—all within a closed, sterile workflow. This pairing combines Akadeum’s gentle, instrument-free isolation with Rotea’s automated harvest and wash capabilities to streamline upstream cell processing while maintaining cell health and recovery in under an hour, in a closed-system manner.

Key Benefits for Rotea Users

Integration of Akadeum’s Human T Cell Leukopak Isolation Kit – GMP into Rotea workflows provides a simple, high-yield, and GMP-ready solution for upstream T cell enrichment:

• Higher recovery and purity: In a recent integration study, Akadeum’s kit achieved 93.7% CD3+ cell purity and 72.3% average recovery across donors—all without magnets or complex setup.
• Sub-hour workflow: The complete process, from antibody labeling to Rotea harvest, takes under one hour, minimizing hands-on time.
• Closed, instrument-free separation. Microbubbles use buoyancy—not magnetic or centrifugal force—for gentle, reagent-based enrichment inside a sealed bag, keeping cells healthy and sterile.
• Compatible with existing consumables. No new capital investment or retraining is required. The process uses standard Rotea consumables and blood transfer bags, simplifying inventory stocking.
• Scalable to your volume. Whether processing 100 million or 50 billion cells, the same protocol applies, ensuring consistency across research, process development, and manufacturing scales.

Streamlining GMP Workflows

Akadeum’s buoyancy-based separation seamlessly integrates with Thermo Fisher’s CTS Rotea Counterflow Centrifugation System, enabling a true end-to-end closed workflow. Cells are isolated, washed, and concentrated without ever leaving the sterile environment, reducing contamination risk and ensuring compliance with GMP manufacturing standards.

Because the system leverages common materials and does not rely on proprietary magnetic columns or filters, it integrates seamlessly into existing infrastructure. This makes it ideal for facilities looking to enhance upstream yield and purity while minimizing operational costs and GMP space.

To explore the complete protocol and performance data, visit the Thermo Fisher Rotea Workflow Integration Page.

Why Buoyancy Matters

Unlike magnetic or filtration-based systems, Akadeum’s microbubbles operate purely through buoyancy. This gentle separation preserves cell health and native phenotype, minimizing stress during isolation and maintaining high viability, critical for improved potency and persistence of therapeutics. The reagent-based workflow reduces complexity while supporting repeatable, scalable GMP-compliant performance across sites and operators.

Integrating Rotea into Your Workflow?

Discover how Akadeum’s microbubble kits simplify cell separation and boost recovery without magnets or extra equipment.

See the Rotea Integration Guide →

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key benefits of integrating Akadeum’s microbubble kits with Rotea?
Microbubbles enable gentle, closed-system T cell isolation that improves recovery and purity while fitting directly into Rotea’s existing cell processing workflow—no new hardware required.

How does this integration improve workflow efficiency?
Harvesting and concentrating cells on the Rotea adds less than 10 minutes to your process and uses the same consumables and sterile connections already part of Rotea runs. This minimizes extra steps, training, and contamination risk.

What performance can users expect?
In validation studies, Akadeum’s Human T Cell Leukopak Isolation Kit – GMP achieved 93.7% CD3+ cell purity and 72.3% recovery, with consistently high viability and gentle handling.

Is this workflow scalable for manufacturing?
Yes. The microbubble protocol maintains the same performance across a wide range of volumes—from small-scale research runs to commercial manufacturing—making it ideal for scaling GMP processes.

Ready to Learn More?

Watch the video above to see how Akadeum’s Human T Cell Leukopak Isolation Kit – GMP integrates seamlessly with the Thermo Fisher CTS Rotea Counterflow Centrifugation System.

For a deeper look at the integration workflow, visit the Rotea Integration Page, or request an on-site demo and evaluation to explore how this closed-system approach can enhance your manufacturing process.