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Futura – Sensor for biomass measurement in bioreactors

Cells with intact plasma membranes in a fermenter can be considered to act as tiny capacitors under the influence of an electric field. The non-conducting nature of the plasma membrane allows a build up of charge. The resulting capacitance can be measured: it is dependent upon the cell type and directly proportional to the membrane bound volume of these viable cells. ABER´s technology converts capacitance into a biomass reading, typically cells / ml or g / l. However, other units can be derived from the raw capacitance measurements; these may be more relevant to the chosen application.

 

FUTURA thus measures the Conductivity of the medium, in millisiemens per centimeter (mS / cm). Conductivity is not used to measure biomass but is indicative of the production or utilization of ions by the cell suspension. The FUTURA instrument (or head amplifier) is the system’s main processing engine, powering the probe and transferring critical data to the chosen output. It is available in two distinct variants for reusable bioreactor systems:  The STANDARD FUTURA is typically used with larger bioreactors. The design of the STANDARD REMOTE FUTURA is best suited to small vessels where the available head space is often limited to a small footprint. It Incorporates a slim, light-weight pre-amplifier making it ideal for smallbioreactors with as low as 100 ml working volume.

Technical data

 

 

Standard Futura

Frequency Range 50 kHz to 20 MHz
Measuring Range Capacitance: 0.0 to 400 pF/cm
Conductivity: 1.0 to 40 mS/cm +/- 0.1 mS/cm
(Higher ranges available with compatible probes)
Cell Concentration Range Depends on cell sizes but typically:
Yeast (6 µm): 106 cells/ml to 1010 cells/ml
Bacteria (1 µm): 109 cells/ml to 1013 cells/ml
Animal Cell (12 µm): 105 cells/ml to 109 cells/ml
Plant Cell (50 µm): 103 cells/ml to 107 cells/ml
Resolution Resolution: 0.1 pF/cm. Approx:
Bacteria typically 2 g/L dry weight or 2*109 cells/ml for E.coli
Yeast or Animal Cells 0.05 g/L or 1*105 cells/ml
The relationship of these capacitance values to biomass levels depends upon the cell type and line.
Accuracy Typically better than +/- 3% or +/- 2% of the reading
Stability Better than +/- 0.2 pF/cm at constant temperature with standard conductivity solution of ~ 12 mS/cm
Linearity Better than +/- 1% over 100 pF/cm
Precision Typically < +/- 0.5 pF/cm, no filter active.
Dimensions (H x W x D) 50 mm x 130 mm x 64 mm
Weight 375 g
         

Standard Remote Futura

Frequency Range 50 kHz to 20 MHz
Measuring Range Capacitance: 0.0 to 400 pF/cm
Conductivity: 1.0 to 40 mS/cm +/- 0.1 mS/cm
(Higher ranges available with compatible probes)
Cell Concentration Range Depends on cell sizes but typically:
Yeast (6 µm): 106 cells/ml to 1010 cells/ml
Bacteria (1 µm): 109 cells/ml to 1013 cells/ml
Animal Cell (12 µm): 105 cells/ml to 109 cells/ml
Plant Cell (50 µm): 103 cells/ml to 107 cells/ml
Resolution Resolution: 0.1 pF/cm. Approx:
Bacteria typically 2 g/L dry weight or 2*109 cells/ml for E.coli
Yeast or Animal Cells 0,05 g/L or 1*105 cells/ml
The relationship of these capacitance values to biomass levels depends upon the cell type and line.
Accuracy Typically better than +/- 3% or +/- 2% of the reading
Stability Better than +/- 0.2 pF/cm at constant temperature with standard conductivity solution of ~ 12 mS/cm
Linearity Better than +/- 1% over 100 pF/cm
Precision Typically < +/- 0.5 pF/cm, no filter active.
Dimensions (H x W x D) 30 mm x 135 mm x 64 mm
Weight 211 g

 

 

 

Technical Service


During our business hours, our free telephone support will be glad to assist you in case of any questions. Our Technicians take care of the delivery and installation of original spare parts of the highest quality as well as certified testing, measuring, and control equipment. Our maintenance according to manufacturer specifications includes functional tests, cleaning, accuracy testing with calibration as well as a detailed report. In addition, our maintenance contracts protect your investments and reduce the total cost of ownership.

Detailed information about our support options can be found here.

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Aber Instruments

ABER, based out of the UK, with an expanding 60 strong technical team pioneered the use of dielectric spectroscopy for the bioprocess and brewing industries over 30 years ago. The company’s reputation as the ‘trusted’ provider and market leader, comes from this in-depth and extensive knowledge gained through invention and innovation. ABER always prides itself in going above and beyond in customer service & support. ABER’s Dielectric spectroscopy technology, also referred to as bio-capacitance, is used successfully in the bioprocess industry to measure cell density in bioreactors.

More about ABER Instruments: www.aberinstruments.com

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125 employees
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32 years of experience