Ex situ bioprocess monitoring techniques

Abstract

Rapid development of biotechnology resulted in increasing need for bioprocess monitoring and control. Efficient process control allows optimization of process efficiency and productivity, reduction of costs and pollution, and quality control. In situ sensors for real-time bioprocess monitoring have been recently reviewed. In this paper the use of ex situ techniques for real time (or quasi real time) monitoring methods is reviewed. These include mass spectrometry, gas chromatography, methods based on semiconductor gas sensors and electronic noses for the analysis of dissolved gas and bioreactor head-space, and on-line liquid chromatography and capillary electrophoresis, spectroscopy and biosensors for monitoring of the bulk process media. Flow techniques allow for the analysis to be carried out ex situ, out of the reactor reintroducing various detection methods that are impossible to implement in an in situ set-up. Because of their versatility flow analysis techniques (continuous and segmented flow analysis, flow injection analysis, sequential injection analysis and bead injection analysis) are broadly used for sample handling and analysis of the bulk media, and their applications in bioprocess monitoring are discussed.