Applications of biosensor systems for bioprocess monitoring

A review of non-invasive optical-based image analysis systems for continuous bioprocess monitoring

To observe and control cultivation processes, optical sensors are used increasingly. Important variables for controlling such processes are cell count, cell size distribution and the morphology of cells. Among turbidity measurement methods, imaging procedures are applied for determining these process values. A disadvantage of most previously developed imaging procedures is that they are only available offline, which requires sampling. On the other hand, available imaging inline probes can only deliver a limited number of process values so far. This contribution gives an overview of optical procedures for the inline determination of cell count, cell size distribution and other variables. In particular, by in situ microscopy, an imaging procedure will be described, which allows the determination of direct and non-direct cell variables in real time without sampling.

Immunochemically based assays for process control

Immunoanalysis for process control is reviewed. The development of non-equilibrium immunoassays from a manually operated flow injection system to a completely computerized system for sample analysis as well as calibration and data evaluation is discussed. Several other approaches in using immunochemistry in biosensors for process control are discussed. The fact that reuse of antibodies raises specific demands on their properties is discussed. Even if the area is young, much progress has been achieved and one can foresee an interesting future development of the area.

Progress in monitoring, modeling and control of bioprocesses during the last 20 years

The paper gives a review on the recent development of bioprocess engineering. It includes monitoring of product formation processes by flow injection analysis, various types of chromatographic and spectroscopic methods as well as by biosensors. The evaluation of mycelial morphology and physiology by digital image analysis is discussed also. It deals with advanced control of indirectly evaluated process variables by means of state estimation/observer, with the use of structured and hybrid models, expert systems and pattern recognition for process optimization and gives a short report on the state of the art of metabolic flux analysis and metabolic engineering.

Cloning, nucleotide sequence, and overexpression of smoS, a component of a novel operon encoding an ABC transporter and polyol dehydrogenases of Rhodobacter sphaeroides Si4

The gene coding for sorbitol dehydrogenase (SDH) of Rhodobacter sphaeroides Si4 was located 55 nucleotides upstream of the mannitol dehydrogenase gene (mtlK) within a previously unrecognized polyol operon. This operon probably consists of all the proteins necessary for transport and metabolization of various polyols. The gene encoding SDH (smoS) was cloned and sequenced. Analysis of the deduced amino acid sequence revealed homology to enzymes of the short-chain dehydrogenase/reductase protein family. For structure analysis of this unique bacterial enzyme, smoS was subcloned into the overexpression vector pET-24a(+) and then overproduced in Escherichia coli BL21(DE3), which yielded a specific activity of 24.8 U/mg of protein and a volumetric yield of 38,000 U/liter. Compared to values derived with the native host, R. sphaeroides, these values reflected a 270-fold increase in expression of SDH and a 971-fold increase in the volumetric yield. SDH was purified to homogeneity, with a recovery of 49%, on the basis of a three-step procedure. Upstream from smoS, another gene (smoK), which encoded a putative ATP-binding protein of an ABC transporter, was identified.

Principles and applications of biosensors for bioprocess monitoring and control

Biosensors are useful analytical devices that can be integrated with on-line process monitoring schemes. In this article, the principles and applications of these devices for bioprocess monitoring are considered. Several different types of biosensors are described, and the applications and limitations of flow injection analysis (FIA) for these applications are discussed. It is hoped that the background provided here can be useful to researchers in this area.

Immobilized enzymes as tools in food analysis

A lot of publications described the possibilities of using selective enzymatic reactions in analysis, but not much authors described applications for the analysis of real samples. In this paper important publications, which described different applications in food analysis, are reviewed. In the first section the use of biosensors for food analysis, in the second section the combination of immobilized enzymes and flow injection analysis and in the last section the use of immobilized enzymes in combination with HPLC are described. Most of the applications described used enzymes for the determination of sugars mainly glucose, but also methods for the determination of inhibitors in foods are described.

Determination of ammonium and L-glutamine in hybridoma cell cultures by sequential flow injection analysis

A flow injection analytical system based on a gas diffusion membrane module for ammonia and an ammonium flow-through potentiometric detector has been set up for measurement of L-glutamine and ammonium ions in hybridoma cell cultures. The main feature of the system is that the same basic analytical concept and equipment is used in both measurements, the only difference being for the determination of L-glutamine, in which the sample flows through an immobilized glutaminase cartridge. The conditions to enable the performance of both analysis consecutively, avoiding potential interferences by unwanted deamination of other compounds in the samples, have been determined. Finally, the proposed system has been compared with reference analytical methods for batch hybridoma cell culture experiments.

Development of a process-FIA system using mediator-modified enzyme electrodes

A computer-controlled process-FIA system for monitoring industrial bioprocesses was developed using mediator-modified enzyme electrodes. The single-line FIA system was modified by replacing the mixing coil with a flexible operating sample dilution unit. By this way, the analyzer offers automatic procedures for self-calibration 'real-time' dilution and recalibration based on the current analyte concentration. In regard to the dynamic range of the sensors, the FIA system is able to self-adapting to any analyte concentration of the bioprocess. The technique was tested for control of glucose during microbial fed-batch processes of gluconic acid production.

Biosensors for fermentation control

Over the past year, biosensor development has been an active area of research. The actual application of biosensors in process monitoring and control is limited to a few cases, mainly as a result of difficulties relating to their long-range stability and their sensitivity to interfering compounds. Steam sterilization is no longer a problem though, as the great majority of sensors are part of flow-injection analysis systems.

Applied biosensors

Biosensors are important analytical tools in clinical and environmental monitoring, biotechnological process control, medicine, and in the food and drink industry. This review devotes attention to the most common biosensor in biotechnology, the glucose biosensor, and to recent contributions to the rapidly growing field of optical biosensors. Trends and developments in these areas are discussed.

Biosensors for process monitoring

A short review about the biosensor research activities for bioprocess monitoring in the F.R.G. after its reunification is given. The principles of biosensor applications are presented. In situ sensors and sensors based on the principles of flow injection analysis are studied. Some applications of a four-channel enzyme thermistor, bio-field effect transistors, and immunoanalysis systems for real process monitoring are presented.