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Aber Futura – Inline sensor for viable biomass measurement in bioreactors

The principle of the Futura system is based on cell capacitance technology (the ability of a cell to collect an electric charge). 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 live 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 also measures the conductivity of the medium. Conductivity is not used to measure biomass but is indicative of the production or utilization of ions by the cell suspension. 

 

The robustness and proven performance of Aber’s sensors make them the first choice for manufacturing, providing a clear and consistent scalable pathway from R&D and process development all the way through to cGMP manufacturing.

The FUTURA system is a modular system existing of 3 hardware components and a software package. Need help in building your own FUTURA system? Please contact us and we will get in touch with you to discuss the most suitable option for your needs.

Aber Futura System Components

The FUTURA system contains three primary hardware components: the probe, the head amplifier, and the transmitter (connection hub). Various probes are available to suit all applications and bioreactors of different sizes. The 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. Transmitters or connection hubs come in a variety of options, depending on your output needs. It interfaces the system to a PC or any bioreactor control system. For validation and testing of the system, there is a probe tester and signal simulator available. 

 

Download the FUTURA catalog

Aber Futura System Components

Applications

Viral vector vaccines

White paper – viral vector vaccines

The use of bio capacitance as an on-line PAT tool for continuously monitoring viral vector vaccines production in cell culture processes.

 

Download white paper

Optimize perfusion

Application note – optimize perfusion

This application note explores the benefits of utilizing capacitance technology to perfect the online measurement and control of viable cell density which is essential for an optimal perfusion run.
 

Download application note

Technical report

Technical report

This report explores the benefits of using capacitance as a direct measurement of cell density and health in bioprocessing.
 

Download Technical report

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.

Logo Aber Instruments
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

125 employees
10 locations in europe
32 years of experience
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