Cell density sensors

On-line, or in-situ, measurement is the pinnacle of process monitoring and necessary for true process control as evidenced with control of pH and dissolved oxygen. Different sensors are available today to measure biomass online and these sensors can be integrated with Applikon control systems. For biomass measurement there are typically two type of measurements: Viable Cell Density (VCD) and Optical Density. Viable cell density is often measured with a so-called capacitance or permittivity measurement and gives a measurement about the amount of viable cells in a culture. Optical Density gives a measure of the total cell density (living or dead in the culture). Viable cell density is most used in cell culture cultivations as viability is an important parameter in these processes, whereas in microbial cultures optical cell density is more commonly used as viability in these cultures is most often very high (>99%).

Advantages at a glance:

Less workload
Short reaction times, direct feedback –even on hidden events
Less contamination risks
Reliable online signal for closed loop control of feeding pump

User benefits:

Easy & fast process optimization and process control
More detailed understanding of the process
Reduced costs and expenses and a fast return of investment!

Capacitive Biomass Measurement - Viable cell density

Hamilton Incyte

Incyte Arc sensors provide a means for directly measuring viable cell density in real-time, meeting the increasing need for PAT in the biopharmaceutical industry. Clear, instantly available information ensures critical events that could have been missed between off-line samples are now immediately recognizable.

ABER Futura

Aber’s pioneering work in the development and use of dielectric instrumentation to monitor biomass, by measuring cell membrane capacitance and media conductivity, has regularly set new standards. In the biotech market, our current FUTURA range is seen as the benchmark in determining live cell concentration online in bioreactors.

For viable cell measurement ABER Futura provides a wide range of sensors that can be applied in Applikon bioreactors. The Applikon controllers support the protocols to communicate directly with these sensors without the need of an extra transmitter.

Optical Cell Density Measurement - Total cell density

Hamilton Densytee

Total cell density measurement by the Dencytee sensor is based on the optical density, the turbidity of a suspension at NIR wavelengths. All particles and molecules that scatter the NIR light will be detected and can be correlated to the total cell density measured offline. The Dencytee sensor increases the light intensity as turbidity rises leading to a wide measuring range.

Continuous cell culture monitoring with the Ovizio iLine F Pro

Ovizio Iline F Pro Analyzer

The Ovizio iLine F PRO provides you with improved insight into your cell-based processes by bringing real-time monitoring of Cell Quality Attributes (CQA’s). It is engineered to work with wave bags, single-use and stirred tank bioreactors and has been designed for cGMP compliance.

Based on label-free analysis, the holographic microscope ensures continuous monitoring of your cells status without the manual handling usually required. Secured connection to your bioreactor is ensured by our BioConnect, a closed-loop cartridge system that reduces the risk of contamination and further reduces manual handling.

Cell detection is made possible through machine-learning algorithms, enabling continuous tracking of multiple parameters such as viability, bead count, cell activation proﬁle, cell infection status, etc.