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Reliable film solutions for bioprocessing workflows
Variability can stem from inconsistent containment—film failures, weak seals, or biological incompatibilities that disrupt upstream and downstream workflows.
Thermo Scientific Aegis5-14 film offers consistent, high‑performance containment that supports reliable processing end‑to‑end. Its robust mechanical properties like optimized puncture resistance, tensile strength, and durable welds help prevent leaks and rupture under mixing, transfer, and storage stresses.
Thermo Scientific Aegis5-14 film features:
- Exceptional strength and leak resistance to minimize product loss—0.01% leak rate outperforms industry averages
- Demonstrated biocompatibility and low cytotoxicity to support healthy cell growth—Free of Irgafos® 168 stabilizer, which has been shown to affect cell growth with certain cell clones
- Low leachable and extractable profiles to support end-product purity and quality—Extensive extractable and leachable analysis performed, aligned with current BioPhorum Operations Group (BPOG) guidelines
- No PFAS—There are no PFAS, also known as forever chemicals, in Aegis films
- Robust supply—Backed by a strong redundant, global network
Beyond Aegis5-14, Thermo Fisher Scientific offers several additional films including CX5-14, ASI 26/77, and ASI 28.
Thoughtfully designed physical properties for exceptional quality, purity, and biocompatibility
- Polyester—Gas permeable layer offers wear and abrasion resistance and strength
- Tie—Binds dissimilar layers together
- EVOH—Gas barrier prevents oxygen from transmitting through the film and supports liquid stability
- PE—Inert product contact layer with low extractables helps prevent liquid from being affected by the film
Figure 1. Schematic cross-section and 3D representation of Aegis5-14 multilayer film used in bioprocessing containers, highlighting the PE fluid-contact layer, EVOH barrier core, tie layers, and outer polyester support structure.
Comparison of film descriptions and key features
Film |
Layers |
Description / Key features |
Aegis5-14 |
5 |
Film for high-value applications |
CX5-14 |
5 |
Widely used in the industry; proven performance over 20 years |
ASI 26/77 |
6 |
Versatile two web film for a variety of workflow applications |
ASI 28 |
4 |
Robust EVA film designed for specific unit operations |
CX3-9 |
3 |
Highly flexible and puncture resistant film for open top tankliners and powder hydration containers |
Material architecture designed for performance
- Mixing and media preparation: Mixing can suffer from poor homogeneity and excessive shear. Compatible, engineered film structures with durable welds and low‑shear surfaces help maintain integrity, reduce cell stress, and support consistent, reproducible mixing across bioprocess operations.
- Buffer and process liquid storage: Stored liquids can degrade or become contaminated over time. Engineered film design with low extractables/leachables, strong barrier properties, and durable seals helps maintain purity, stability, and performance during extended storage and transfer.
- Cell culture and housing applications: Cell cultures are sensitive to materials and impurities. Biocompatible films with low extractables/leachables, inert surfaces, and validated welds help create stable, non‑toxic environments that support healthy cell growth and consistent bioprocess performance.
- Transportation of process fluids: Moving large quantities of process fluids is risky. Durable films with high puncture resistance, strong seals, and robust welds maintain integrity, enabling secure movement across facilities while reducing spills, facility contamination risk, failures, and downtime.
Design your single-use fluid transfer assembly—faster and with confidence
Our Single-Use Assembly Configurator Tool makes it easy to create custom assemblies tailored to your process or select in-stock, ready-to-ship options to help reduce lead times.
Integrating with your bioprocessing bags and containers
Related fluid management solutions
Complementary solutions—validated connectors, tubing, aseptic transfer sets, and compatible rigid containers—work with single‑use bags to maintain sterility end‑to‑end.
Explore our Fluid Management page for details.
Frequently asked questions
Assess compatibility by reviewing extractables/leachables profiles, chemical resistance, and permeability data for your process fluids and conditions (pH, solvents, temperature, time). Run bench tests: soak/contact studies, adsorption/hold-time, and integrity under mixing and stress. Request film–fluid compatibility matrices and E/L reports from the supplier. Because fluid–film interactions are complex, validated data plus targeted testing support confident selection. Start with films like Thermo Scientific Aegis5-14 that are well-established for bioprocessing applications.
Key attributes include mechanical strength (puncture, tear, tensile) and robust weld/seal integrity to withstand mixing, transfer, and handling at larger volumes. Low extractables/leachables, chemical resistance, and gas/moisture barrier properties preserve product quality. Consistent film composition, validated manufacturing, and thermal stability support reproducible performance across hold times and temperatures, enabling smoother transitions from development to commercial scale. Look for containers with the same film across multiple sizes to save process optimization steps.
Bioprocessing film affects cells, purity, and consistency through its chemistry, surface, and mechanical integrity. Poor films can leach cytotoxic compounds, adsorb proteins, shed particles, or stick to cells, stressing cells and contaminating product. Engineered, biocompatible films with low extractables/leachables, inert surfaces, strong barriers, and durable welds/seals help maintain sterile, stable environments, protect product purity, and deliver predictable, reproducible performance.
Standardized film platforms integrated across containers and bags reduce qualification burden by providing consistent materials, welds, and performance data for multiple configurations. Suppliers offer unified documentation—material specs, E/L reports, biocompatibility, and validation packages—covering the platform, not each item separately. This streamlines procurement, risk assessments, and change control, enabling faster approvals and simpler audits while maintaining reproducible, compliant performance across unit operations.
Structural layers support mechanical strength, puncture resistance, and durable welds to withstand mixing, handling, and transport stresses. Barrier layers control gas and moisture transmission and resist chemicals, helping preserve purity and stability over long holds. Together, multilayer films minimize extractables/leachables, reduce adsorption, and maintain integrity across temperature, agitation, and time, supporting consistent performance from storage through transfer.
Common pitfalls include prioritizing cost over performance, ignoring extractables/leachables, overlooking chemical and thermal compatibility, and underestimating mechanical needs (puncture, tear, weld integrity) at scale. Missing real-use tests (mixing, hold time) and inconsistent supplier data also cause failures. A structured evaluation—E/L review, compatibility matrices, mechanical validation, and targeted bench testing—helps ensure consistent, reproducible performance.
Additional bioprocessing resources
Bioprocessing resources
For research use or further manufacturing. Not for diagnostic use or direct administration into humans or animals.