Aber Instruments
Optura Spy Biomass Sensor
Non-contact online biomass sensor
The OPTURA Spy system from ABER Instruments enables non-contact biomass monitoring using patented bio-reflectance technology. The measurement is performed on-line and in real time. Due to the large linear measuring range of the sensor, the entire crop progress from sowing to harvest can be documented.
- Online biomass measurement in real-time
- Non-contact due to bio-reflectance sensor
- High linear measuring range
- Bubble filter algorithm
- Contamination free
- Easy to calibrate
- Biotechnology
- Cell Culture
- Good manufacturing practice (GMP)
- Microbial Fermentation
- Upstream
- Alternative proteins
- Cultured meat
- Belgium
- Germany
- Ireland
- Luxembourg
- Netherlands
- Austria
- Switzerland
Optura Spy – Contactless measurement of biomass
Optura Spy from Aber Instruments is a state-of-the-art measuring device for the optical determination of cell concentration in bioreactors. By measuring the reflection of transmitted light, the system can continually monitor the biomass on-line and in real time. Detection uses the near-infrared light range and is contact-free. The Optura Spy is attached to the outer wall of the bioreactor or shaking flask using an adapter. The probe can be used on glass or plastic vessels with a wall thickness of up to 4.3 mm, and offers a measurement range of 0.03 to 600 at an OD of 600. With a measuring depth of maximum 3 cm, the device is also suited for smaller-volume vessels.
Optura Spy results can be calibrated using off-line measurements. The calibration curves generated in this manner can be saved in the software and used for future runs. Optura Spy reliably measures in areas of low and high cell concentration, and is characterized by precise, highly linear result curves.
Another feature of Optura Spy is that the measurement results are not distorted by the effect of ambient light. Coloured media additives have no impact on the quality of detection and a bubble filter algorithm actively removes any background noise resulting from bubble formation. Optura Spy is a reliable solution for fast, contact-free monitoring of biomasses in biotechnology processes.
Technical data
Minimal detection volume: | 200 µl |
Vessel wall thickness: | 0.2 to 4.3 mm |
Wavelength: | 1,330 nm |
Cell concentration range: | Minimal cell concentration: >0.01 g/l DCW S. cerevisiae (Sensor type A & B) ca. 0.03 Abs. OD600 >.,05 g/l DCW S. cerevisiae (Sensor type C & D) ca. 0.127 Abs. OD600 Maximal cell concentration: >175 g/l DCW S. cerevisiae (alle sensor types) |
Resolution: | best case: 8.45e-10 % Reflexion |
Stability: | 0.24% @ 100 g/l yeast solution over a 35 min period |
Power supply: | 24 V DC |
Spy sensor cable length: | 2 m |
Operating temperature: | 5 to 70 °C (40 to 160 °F) |
Ambient operating conditions: | 15 to 45 °C (59 to 113 °F) |
Performance verification: | Reflectance standard (Low and High) |
Laser class product: | Class M1 |
Averaging time window: | 30 s to 8 min |
Consumables
Spy Sensors | |
8500-06 | Optura Spy Sensor A - For wall thickness 0.2-1.1 mm |
8500-07 | Optura Spy Sensor B - For wall thickness 1.1-2.3 mm |
8500-08 | Optura Spy Sensor C - For wall thickness 2.3.-3.3 mm |
8500-09 | Optura Spy Sensor D - For wall thickness 3.3-4.3 mm |
8500-29 | Optura Spy Sensor TF |
Accessories and Consumables | |
8500-83 | Optura Spy - Sensor Verification Standard |
8500-30 | Optura Spy - Sensor Verification Standard TF |
8500-42 | Din Rail Mounting Kit |
8510-ST/10 | Optura Spy - standard vessel adaptor - Pack of 10 |
8510-ST/20 | Optura Spy - standard vessel adaptor - Pack of 20 |
8510-ST/50 | Optura Spy - standard vessel adaptor - Pack of 50 |
8510-FL/10 | Optura Spy - Flush Vessel Adaptor - Pack of 10 |
8510-FL/20 | Optura Spy - Flush Vessel Adaptor - Pack of 20 |
8510-FL/50 | Optura Spy - Flush Vessel Adaptor - Pack of 50 |
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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