Bluesens Fermentation Process Optimization, Gas Analysis, Oxygen Uptake Rate

BlueSens GmbH is the market leader as manufacturer of high-quality and sturdy gas analysers in the sector of bioprocess technology. The measurement of various gases is in the fore - from the laboratory all the way to the fermenter. In addition, BlueSens offers you a comprehensive, quick support and thus ensures the sound operation of your processes.

All gas sensors of BlueSens have been conceived in such a manner that they can be integrated without additional effort into the PAT-conform monitoring of bioprocesses. Thus the BlueSens gas sensors can also be implemented in the GMP-relevant environment of Research & Development all the way to production.

The particular feature of the BlueSens gas sensors is their stable long-term operation even under extreme conditions. The sensors thus supply reliable measured values for weeks in environments containing 100% rel. air humidity without requiring additional calibration.

Furthermore, BlueSens GmbH offers you a complex service for individual adaptations to meet your requirements and also complete measuring systems.

Gas Analysis for Fermenters

BlueSens offers an exhaust gas analysis system which is based on the individual measurement of the respective gases (e.g. CO2/O2, Ethanol, CH4). This process of individual measurement is unique in the market and compared to other measurements reveals clear benefits.

Due to the unique and flexible set-up and the microprocessor-controlled electronics the sensors can be integrated into all gas lines without causing any problems. The sensors can also be connected to the bioreactor for easy gas analysis without involving much time and effort. No exhaust coolers or other processing measures are required. In addition it is not necessary to take samples from several fermenters over long feed lines and complex valve circuits.

Thus utilisation and maintenance costs can be saved effectively. The use of several sensors instead of only one central analyser minimises the down-times and makes it possible to control the process.

Oxygen Uptake Rate

Bioprocesses can be controlled based on various parameters as, for instance, the respiration quotient (RQ), the oxygen uptake rate (OUR), the carbon dioxide production rate (CPR) or the total cumulated carbon dioxide production rate. The analysis of these parameters calls for a low-drift, stabile exhaust measurement with a high sampling rate. Gas analysers per Multiplexer are not the best solution for process control and optimisations due to the low sampling rates, the high maintenance requirement and the complete shut-down of the control chain.

BlueSens gas sensors do not operate per Multiplexer but on the principle of individual measuring points. Simply integrated directly in the process the measured values are collected per second and the processes can be controlled over longer periods without requiring maintenance. In addition the failure of a measuring point does not shut down the whole production line or the research process.

Fermentation Process Optimization

The process in the shaking flask can also be visualised and optimised via sensors. BlueSens has developed an all-in-one solution for fermentation process optimizationavailable under the name BCpreFerm.

After sterilisation of the flask the sensors can be applied via additional GL45 connections. Thanks to a membrane applied at the connection sterility is not endangered. As soon as the sensors are applied, they control the complete course of cultivation. The oxygen uptake (OUR, the carbon dioxide production rate (CPR) and the respiration quotient are visualised online exactly as is the case for the measurement at the fermenter.

The transfer to the bioreactor is made easier and prevents limited growth conditions. Special shaking flasks are not required for the implementation.

BCpreFerm is low-maintenance and easy to handle. BCpreFerm can be upgraded easily with more sensors and other probes as pH electrodes or p02 sensors.