Biosensors in bioprocess monitoring

Biosensors Incorporating Bimetallic Nanoparticles

This article presents a review of electrochemical bio-sensing for target analytes based on the use of electrocatalytic bimetallic nanoparticles (NPs), which can improve both the sensitivity and selectivity of biosensors. The review moves quickly from an introduction to the field of bio-sensing, to the importance of biosensors in today's society, the nature of the electrochemical methods employed and the attendant problems encountered. The role of electrocatalysts is introduced with reference to the three generations of biosensors. The contributions made by previous workers using bimetallic constructs, grouped by target analyte, are then examined in detail; following which, the synthesis and characterization of the catalytic particles is examined prior to a summary of the current state of endeavor. Finally, some perspectives for the future of bimetallic NPs in biosensors are given.

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.

Future aspects of bioprocess monitoring

Nature has the impressive ability to efficiently and precisely control biological processes by applying highly evolved principles and using minimal space and relatively simple building blocks. The challenge is to transfer these principles into technically applicable and precise analytical systems that can be used for many applications. This article summarizes some of the new approaches in sensor technology and control strategies for different bioprocesses such as fermentations, biotransformations, and downstream processes. It focuses on bio- and chemosensors, optical sensors, DNA and protein chip technology, software sensors, and modern aspects of data evaluation for improved process monitoring and control.

Comparative investigation between acetylcholinesterase obtained from commercial sources and genetically modified Drosophila melanogaster

Genetically modified acetylcholinesterase (AChE) from Drosophila melanogaster (dm) and from commercial sources, Electric eel (ee), Bovine erythrocites (be) and Human erythrocites (he), were investigated as biological receptors for the detection of methamidophos pesticide based on inhibition studies. Most engineered variant of AChE from dm showed enhanced sensitivity toward methamidophos pesticide. Among 24 dmAChE variants tested, 12 presented a sensitivity comparable to the commercially available eeAChE, but higher than AChEs from be and he. Four were found more sensitive and six others were insensitive to methamidophos insecticide. The D375G,Y370F,Y374A,F376L mutant was the most sensitive, with a ki value of 2.2 X 10(6) mol(-1) L min(-1), three orders of magnitude higher than eeAChE (1.1 X 10(3) mol(-1) L min(-1)). The sensor constructed with genetically modified enzyme showed better characteristics with respect to detection limit and sensitivity compared with those using commercial eeAChE. Differential pulse polarography and chronoamperometry were used as electrochemical techniques to characterize the AChE biosensors. The lower detection limit of 1 ppb was obtained with D375G,Y370F,Y374A,F376L mutant of dmAChE, compared to 90 ppb for the commercial eeAChE. This study may stimulate scientists to develop more sensitive and selective procedures for organophosphorus insecticides detection by using engineered variant of dmAChE.

Bioaffinity layering: a novel strategy for the immobilization of large quantities of glycoenzymes

A simple strategy for increasing considerably the quantities of glycoenzymes immobilized on insoluble supports is described. The strategy that we call bioaffinity layering makes use of the multivalent nature of concanavalin A (Con A) and the multiple oligosaccharide chains of most glycoenzymes to build alternating lectin and glycoenzyme layers on a Sepharose matrix with precoupled Con A. Using this procedure, it was possible to increase the amounts of several glycoenzymes immobilized on Sepharose and 19.0 mg glucose oxidase could be associated with one ml Sepharose matrix after seven Con A/glucose oxidase incubation cycles. Bioaffinity layered preparations of glycoenzymes exhibited high activities as indicated by very high effectiveness factor (eta) values and those of glucose oxidase and invertase exhibited a layer-by-layer increase in thermostability. The sensitivity of a flow-through glucose monitoring cartridge integrated into a flow injection analysis (FIA) system was enhanced significantly by increasing the amount of immobilized glucose oxidase via bioaffinity layering. A cartridge bearing six layers of glucose oxidase on Sepharose support was used effectively and repeatedly for analysis of medium glucose concentration during a fed-batch cultivation of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

Fermentation monitoring and process control

The use of modern analytical online methods such as two-dimensional fluorescence measurements gives new insights into bioprocesses. With the resulting data, it is not only possible to better understand and document, for example, biotransformations, but also to develop efficient control strategies that lead to better productivity and lower costs.