Laboratory Bioreactor Systems

Biomass Monitor 200

At Aber Instruments Ltd we pride ourselves on a continuous track record of innovation in live cell mass monitoring that has enabled companies worldwide in biopharma and fermentation to improve control and monitoring of their bioreactors.

Many companies are using the Aber Biomass Monitor in their manufacturing process to reduce costs, maintain a more consistent process or as a valuable process development tool. In 2006, Aber Instruments once again introduced their latest innovation into the market with their Model 200.

The Biomass Monitor Model 200 is a response to the demand in the industry for a lower cost unit that is simple to use, flexible with communications and that will also meet the strict validation requirements of the manufacturing process including GAMP4 compliance. The unit is designed to be dedicated to a single bioreactor (ideal for cGMP) and overcomes the inconvenience of running multiple cables to bioreactors. These new features combine to make the BM 200 the most customer orientated device for live cell mass monitoring.

Key User Benefits
Affordable	The Model 200 is lowest cost option for monitoring LIVE biomass on-line
Simple to Use	There are just 3 modes of operation to cover cell culture and yeast or bacterial fermentations
Validatable	The Model 200 can be provided with full IQ/OQ documentation and is designed to GAMP4 requirements with password protection
Small Footprint	At just 27cm in width, the instrument fits neatly onto an instrument stack
Dedicated to One Bioreactor	The reduced complexity of a single channel system is the choice for cGMP

Biomass Monitor 220

The Biomass Monitor 220 combines the latest advances in Radio Frequency dielectrics with intuitive keypad control of settings and measurements. The Model 220 has an integral Multiplexer allowing up to 4 fermenters to be monitored. Advanced facilities are available with the Model 220 such as frequency scanning, polarization correction and a multiple frequency system for aerated fermenters. The unique frequency scanning function on the Model 220 can allow changes in viability, cell size and metabolic activity of the cells to monitored.

Areas of Use
The Biomass Monitor 220 can be used with all conventional bioreactors for the measurement of viable bacteria, yeast, animal, plant and other cellular biomass. Cells can be measured whilst in free suspension or immobilized on inert carriers such as glass beads and microcarriers. The system is ideal for research/pilot plants but full IOQ documentation can be provided for cGMP.

Key User Benefits
Frequency Scanning		Can provide additional information on size/viability and metabolic state of the organism
Frequency Range		Variable enabling you to monitor a range of different cell types
Expandable		Monitors up to 4 fermenters

Biomass Monitor 230

The ideal system for a cGMP or an industrial environment
The new model Biomass Monitor 230 has been designed for measurements of live cell concentration and media conductivity in a cGMP or an industrial environment. To ensure simplicity of use there are minimum set-up options. Housed in an IP65 rated enclosure and supplied with FDA approved Stainless steel/PEEK probe, it is an ideal option for specifying in a cGMP facility. Full IOQ documentation can be provided with this instrument. As from January 2007 the instrument can be set up to measure in lives cells/ml, capacitance, g/L or a user defined option.

Areas of Use
Biomass Monitor 230 is designed specifically for live cell mass monitoring in cGMP or industrial environments. It can be used with most conventional bioreactors for the measurement of viable bacteria, yeast, animal, plant and other cellular biomass. Cells can be measured whilst in free suspension or immobilized on inert carriers such as glass beads and microcarriers. Communication options include individual 4-20mA current loop outputs for each channel, RS232 and Profibus.

Key User Benefits
Integral Enclosure		Essential for a wetted or contained production environment. Protects instrument to IP65
Multiplexing Capability		Integral multiplexer for up 4 probes
Flexible Frequencies		Optimized for specific applications and simple to configure

Side by Side Comparison

FEATURE	BENEFIT	Model 200	Model 220	Model 230
Stainless Steel/PEEK Probe	Robust and Conforms to FDA requirements Options for four pin ,flush and annular electrode arrangements in 12, 19 and 25mm diameter in various lengths	Yes	Yes	Yes
Operates at Various Frequencies and in Different Modes	Suitable for being used with animal, yeast, fungi, bacteria Recommended for process development work	Yes Yes	Yes Yes	Yes No
Internal PC with Frequency Scanning	Can provide additional information on metabolic state of organism and changes during process	No	Yes	No
Multiplexing Capability	Integral multiplexer for up 4 probes Simply add extra probes and head amplifiers	No	Yes	Yes
Instrument/Software Validation	Instrument cab be used in cGMP and can be provided with supporting documentation GAMP4 compliance	Yes Yes	Yes No	Yes No
Extra Enclosure	Option for mounting instrument in additional IP65 enclosure	Yes	Yes	No
Integral Enclosure	System built within IP65 enclosure No additional costs for protection	No	No	Yes
Logging of Biomass on PC via a Dedicated USB Port	The Model 200 has been designed for quick and simple evaluations before purchase	Yes	No	No

New Annular 12 mm Probes now Available from Aber Instruments.
Annular 12 mm probes provide a new option for measuring live cell biomass. The new probe design is less probe to interference from gas bubbles while improving sensitivity to live cells.

To download more information on the new Annular 12 mm Probes, click here.

Aber Instruments Launched A New Range Of Biomass Monitors At Sim Philadelphia

To download more information on Biomass, click here
To go to the Aber Instruments Website, click here

Aber Instruments has launched their new range of Biomass Monitors, at the SIM Annual Meeting, Philadelphia, August 2002. The Model 220 range incorporates a new modular design with the latest improvements in electronics and materials of construction for on-line viable biomass measurement in fermentation and cell culture. The direct in situ monitoring of cell mass with the Biomass Monitor allows monitoring and recording of the critical phases of each fermentation. The instruments are used routinely with yeast, animal, bacterial, fungal and plant cells in suspension, clumped or attached to carriers and eliminates time consuming off-line biomass analysis.

The Model 220 Biomass Monitor supercedes the previous Model 214M range and incorporates a number of distinct improvements:

•	It will have improved sensitivity and accuracy allowing the measurement of lower viable cell concentrations during fermentation.
•	The new stainless steel /PEEK electrode is supplied as standard and will be suitable for use in cGMP facilities
•	The instrument has a built in multiplexer that allows the system to be expanded up to 4 channels. Additional fermenters can be monitored by adding 8-channel Multiplexer modules up to maximum of 36 fermenters.
•	The instrument has self testing electronics on screen intuitive set up allowing ease of use and rapid set up.
•	Using on-line gas hold up calculations, accurate biomass determination can be achieved when gas hold up is varying during fermentation.

The Biomass Monitor systems are ideal for production scale up and the robust, stainless steel/PEEK probes in sizes between 19 mm and 25 mm are suitable for GMP environments. Unlike many optical probes, the Biomass Monitor can be used in highly aerated fermenters with a wide range of complex media.

Aber Instruments will also be displaying their "entry level" Biomass Monitor Model 210.. This is a lower cost single input instrument that can be upgraded to the 4 input Biomass Monitor 220 at a later date. The Model 210 will have all of the other benefits of the Model 220 and is ideal for an initial evaluation of the dielectric based technology for on-line viable cell mass measurement.

The Biomass Monitors are exclusively distributed in USA and Canada by Applikon Inc.