Aber Instruments
Futura Biomass Probe Tester
On-line biomass probe
ABER Instruments FUTURA system allows you to measure the live biomass in your bioreactor on-line and thus close the data gaps of off-line analysis. ABER´s technology already has been the benchmark in this field for several years and is used by customers throughout the entire world from R&D to GMP production.
- Real-time measurement of biomass
- Plug-and-play
- Possibility to automate feed strategies
- Validated according to CFR21 part 11
- Automation
- Microbial Fermentation
- Good manufacturing practice (GMP)
- Process analytics technology (PAT)
- Process Development
- Upstream
- Cell Culture
- Biotechnology
- Cultured meat
- Alternative proteins
- Belgium
- Germany
- Ireland
- Luxembourg
- Netherlands
- Austria
- Switzerland
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.

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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