Continuous biomass measurement, coupled with other parameters such as DO, pH and temperature, allows the user to understand and optimize fermentation or cell culture cycles. Cell density probes can be used to measure the density of bacteria, yeast, or mammalian cells directly in the reactor.
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Collected data from the reactor can be used to control e.g. nutrient dosing, in order to assure optimal growth rates and consistency of the final product. This data determines the best nutrient feed rate, when to reduce feeding, and/or when to initiate an induction, or when to stop fermentation and initiate harvest. When a certain cell density is reached in a seed fermenter, the system is able to inoculate the next fermenter automatically, reducing production times and eliminating unnecessary process delays.
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Fermentation and Cell Growth Monitoring Benefits |
- Improved Expression / Yield
- Increased Process Consistency
- Maximum Viability
- Greater Process Understanding
- Improved Product Quality
- Time Savings on Sampling and Analysis
- Reduced Chance of Infection
- Improved Process Confidence
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Real time measurement of cell concentration enables the operator to detect the point when growth ceases and yield is maximized at all times. It can also act as an alarm to notify operators of abnormal shifts in the cell growth cycle, preventing any production loss.
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| optek Cell Density Probes |
To address these requirements, optek has developed the AS and ASD series photometric probes. These near-infrared absorption probes are specifically designed for use in sanitary fermentation and cell culture applications. The seal-less, sapphire window design assures the highest level of sterility. AS and ASD probes precisely measure cell growth/biomass as a function of absorption.
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optek probes provide direct, real-time measurement of cell growth without the need for sampling, thereby eliminating volume loss and dilution errors in addition to a reduced risk of contamination. The in-process measurement can be correlated directly to laboratory analysis methods for cell count and optical density. This linearized value can then be displayed in the measurement unit of choice.
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AS and ASD series probes are available with a wide selection of optical path lengths, from 1 to 40 mm. Shorter optical paths are typically used for dense cell cultures such as bacterial and yeast cultures. Longer paths are used for mammalian cell cultures. This flexibility allows optimal resolution and superior signal-to-noise ratio for virtually any cell line.
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The AS series probes are unique in that analyzer performance verification can be performed between runs or in-line during production, without breaking the line. Reliability of the measurement is easily validated using optek NIST-traceable reference filters. AS and ASD probes can mount conveniently through an industry-standard, 19mm port in the fermentor/bioreactor head plate or a 25mm port in the vessel sideway.
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optek probes are designed for CIP / SIP and some models can be autoclaved. These probes are suitable for cGMP facilities and conform to FDA requirements. The optek data logging capability can automatically record measurements for QA/QC purposes.
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| Fermentation and Cell Growth Monitoring |
This gives the process operator real-time knowledge needed to optimize the bioprocess cycle. optek probes provide a stable and reliable measurement, even in systems with a high degree of aeration or agitation. Reliable, continuous, real-time measurement eliminates laboratory sampling and assays and is more consistent, sensitive and cost-effective than manual methods. Autoclavable or CIP/SIP, optek probes are suitable for use in laboratory, pilot, or production -scale fermentors/bioreactors.
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