CPC (Colder Products Company), part of Dover (NYSE: DOV) and a leading manufacturer of connection technologies used in biopharmaceutical processing, announced the launch of its new MicroCNX® Nano Series aseptic connectors, designed to significantly simplify cell and gene therapy (CGT) closed sterile processing.

"Cell and gene therapy is advancing quickly, but the industry relies on older, cumbersome techniques like biosafety cabinets or tube welding for sterile processing," said Troy Ostreng, Senior Product Manager for CPC's biopharmaceutical business. "Now, CGT processing assemblies that include the MicroCNX Nano connectors will allow users to easily click together the connector halves to create a sterile flow path. This is a major advancement for CGT applications."

CGT manufacturers currently rely on 1/8- and 1/16-inch flow paths to move cells efficiently, with minimal turbulence, and to help reduce holdup volume, which occurs when liquid is trapped in the tubing and cannot easily be recovered. Tube welding requires extra tubing on either side of the weld, which is a source of holdup volume. The MicroCNX Nano Series does not require extra tubing, and the connectors can be quickly joined outside of a biosafety cabinet.

The MicroCNX Nano connector's small size also allows it to fit directly into the freeze cassettes used in CGT product cryopreservation. The connectors can be frozen to -190°C, which supports cell health during storage and transport.

"We believe small-format aseptic connectors are the future of CGT sterile processing," said Ostreng. "MicroCNX Series products offer a faster, more efficient approach to creating sterile closed systems. "

This new series builds on CPC's pioneering work in creating the industry's smallest aseptic connectors, which are designed specifically to handle CGT's small fluid volumes.