Evaluate Bead-Free Cell Selection in Your Workflow
✓ Built on clinically established microbubble technology
✓ Designed for flexible, scalable cell therapy workflows
The BubbleGen™ Early Access Program enables hands-on evaluation of microbubble-based cell selection.
When Cell Selection Limits Your Workflow, New Approaches Matter
The BubbleGen™ Early Access Program gives cell therapy teams the opportunity to evaluate a microbubble-based approach to cell selection and activation directly within your own workflows.
Developed by Bracco, BubbleGen™ microbubbles build on more than two decades of use in diagnostic imaging and offer a bead-free alternative to traditional magnetic approaches.
We are now accepting applications from teams seeking to explore new approaches to cell selection across a range of applications. Participants can evaluate the technology in their own labs, supported by Bracco’s cell therapy experts.
Cell Selection and Activation with
BubbleGen™ Microbubbles at a Glance
Antibody-Driven Targeting
Biotinylated antibody-driven targeting enables precise selection of a wide range of immune cell subsets (e.g., CD3, CD4, CD8, TCR γ/δ, CD34).
T Cell Activation
Achieve T cell selection and activation simultaneously with Bracco’s microbubbles.
Biocompatible
Microbubbles exhibit a strong preliminary safety profile. Our non-magnetic technology provides gentle, bead-free separation of target cells to support downstream cell therapy workflows.
Positive, Negative, and Sequential Selection
Perform positive, negative, and sequential selection using the same workflow.
Open Technology Ready for Integration
System is open and ready for integration into your automated, closed platform(s).
Traceless
Cells are released by “popping” the bubbles through gas exchange for efficient selection.
Cell Selection and Activation Microbubble Overview
Lipid microbubbles composed of phospholipids, streptavidin, and a gas core bind biotinylated antibodies targeting cell surface markers (e.g., CD3, CD4, CD8).
Cell Selection and Activation with BubbleGen™ Microbubbles are Lyophilized
Lyophilized microbubbles are stable for up to 3 years at 4°C and 3 months post-reconstitution at 4°C.
Positive Cell Selection and Activation
with BubbleGen™ Microbubbles
Example of CD3+ Cell Separation Using Human CD3 Biotin Positive Selection Antibody and BubbleGen™ Microbubbles
Before Separation
62.2% CD3+ cells
After Separation - Positive Fraction
99.5% CD3+ cells
After Separation - Negative Fraction
1.8% CD3+ cells
Demonstrated Performance Across Cell Types
BubbleGen™ microbubbles have demonstrated robust performance across multiple cell types and starting materials.
T-cell isolation | BubbleGen™ Microbubbles vs MicroBeads
Figure 1. BubbleGen™ microbubbles were compared with magnetic beads for T cell selection using CD3 antibody from 1×107 PBMCs.
Across recovery, purity, and viability, BubbleGen™ achieved similar or superior results.
Results of Positively Selected T cells
Using BubbleGen™ Microbubbles to Isolate Leukopak Material
When used to isolate CD3 from fresh and frozen leukopak material (9X108 WBC),
the following results were achieved:
>70% T cells directly harvested from leukopak, without PLT removal and PBMC extraction step.
Selection of Rare Cell Populations and Subpopulations
| Cell Type | Starting Sample | Purity | Recovery | Viability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CD34+ | Fresh mobilized apheresis (2x109 WBC, 2.95% CD34+) | 96.3% | 93.8% | ~90% |
| TCR γ/δ | PBMCs (1x10 | >96% | >80% | >97.4% |
Sequential Selection with BubbleGen™
| Cell Type | Starting Sample | Purity | Recovery | Viability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CD4+, CD184+ | Whole blood (4mL) or PBMCs (2x109 WBC, 2.95% CD34+) | 85% (WB), 93% (PBMCs) | ~2.9x105 target cells collected | 93.5% |
Program Details
Program Purpose
The BubbleGen™ Early Access Program is designed to support practical, data-driven evaluation. Each engagement helps teams:
- Assess microbubble-based cell selection within real workflows
- Explore integrated selection and activation strategies
- Generate data to support internal decisions and process development
- Evaluate compatibility with existing platforms and manufacturing requirements
Who Should Apply
We are working with a limited number of teams who:
- Are developing or refining cell therapy processes
- Have a defined challenge in cell selection or activation
- Want to evaluate alternative approaches with clear process advantages
Teams outside of cell therapy may also be considered.
What You Will Receive
Participants are supported throughout the evaluation with:
- BubbleGen™ microbubbles and CD3 antibody as applicable
- Setup guidance and protocol support
- Ongoing scientific input as experiments progress
- Opportunities to expand into additional use cases
Areas of Exploration
Participants commonly use the program to investigate:
- Replacement or augmentation of magnetic bead-based selection
- Sequential or multi-step selection strategies
- Integration of selection and activation
- Isolation of sensitive or difficult cell populations
- Optimization of cell phenotype outcomes
The platform is applicable across T cells, NK cells, and stem cell populations.
Selection Approach
Participation is limited to 10 applications to ensure meaningful collaboration. Applications are evaluated based on:
- Scientific and technical fit
- Clarity of objectives
- Potential to generate actionable data
Priority is given to teams positioned to learn, iterate, and apply results quickly.
Interested in Exploring a Bead-Free Approach to Cell Selection and Activation? Complete the Form Below.
Set up a meeting with our team at [email protected]
For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.