Process analytical sensors and image‐based techniques for single‐use bioreactors

Abstract

In the field of biotechnology, the estimation of relevant process parameters is still a challenge. Particularly with regard to efficient control of processes with high product yields, a real‐time and reliable documentation with process analytical sensors is essential. Moreover, stricter regulations of the US Food and Drug Administration for the pharmaceutical industry concerning process documentation, imposed by the Process and Analytical Technology Initiative, have increased the demand for sensors that are able to very accurately monitor and document the production process. For the monitoring and control of bioprocesses, a huge variety of sensors is used. Most systems are based on optical or electrochemical sensors. Furthermore, the market demand for disposable sensor systems increases rapidly as the application of disposable bioreactors represents the biggest technical advance in modern biotechnology. These presterilized plastic bags significantly reduce the cost/income ratio and build a meaningful concept for the design and implementation of standardized peripheral bioproduction. Simple and flexible adaptation of sensors is a bottleneck and high‐production requirements of the sensor components have to be met. This contribution gives an overview on concepts of sensor systems and image‐based techniques that allow the online estimation of relevant process parameters used in single‐use bioreactor systems.

Advanced characterization of immobilized enzymes as heterogeneous biocatalysts

“…Just like in other fields of biotechnology (and chemical technology), observing the reaction progress through direct in situ measurements of substrate, product or both inside the reactor offers the general advantage of improved process monitoring and control [141][142][143][144][145][146][147][148]. In-operando applications require the use of transparent windows, optical fibers or immersed probes.…”

Model‐based cell number quantification using online single‐oxygen sensor data for tissue engineering perfusion bioreactors

“…This is attributed to the lack of robust bioprocess control in the closed system "black box" bioreactor . Multiple bioprocess monitoring techniques exist, primarily originating in the biopharmaceutical bioreactor industry, that can quantitatively measure physicochemical process parameters, such as temperature, pH, dissolved O 2 , glucose concentration, and metabolic activity (Bluma et al, 2011;Rolfe, 2006;Starly and Choubey, 2008;Ward et al, 2013;Zhou et al, 2013). However, a direct transfer of the biopharmaceutical monitoring and control strategies to TE bioreactors is not straightforward.…”

BiotecVisions 2012, February

“…Sascha Beutel and colleagues (Hanover, Germany) compare sensor systems that are currently on the market for single‐use bioreactors and discuss the potential of image‐based biosensors. /ug [5]…”