Sterile bioreactor sampling system unveiled
has been unveiled by UK firm Cellexus Biosystems.
The new sterile disposable sampling system will be available early next year and has been displayed for the first time at this week's BioProcess conference in San Francisco.
According to the firm, the Cellexus Sampler features an integrated one-way valve that prevents any of the withdrawn cell culture media sample returning to the main bioreactor.
The Sampler collects some of the cell culture into mini pouches, which are then sealed and cut with a hand-held welding device. The sealed pouches can then be removed from the culture suite and analysed elsewhere.
"Maintaining aseptic conditions when samples are taken at regular intervals is not at all simple and requires a lot of practise to perfect the technique," said Dr Kevin Auton, CEO of Cellexus Biosystems.
"The combination of the Cellexus Sampler and a simple hand-held tubing sealer/cutter makes this process a lot easier to master and reduces the threat of contamination."
Contamination by viruses, micro-organisms or chemicals in the main cell culture batch is a huge risk in bioprocessing.
Disposable bioreactors and attachments are gaining in popularity as they can reduce the risk of cross-contamination between cell culture batches whilst minimising turnaround time, cleaning costs and validations.
In July Cellexus began selling a new non-invasive optical method of monitoring oxygen concentration and pH levels in disposable bioreactors and HyClone also released a new single-use bioreactor which was hailed as giving the same performance as traditional stainless steel bioreactors but with the benefits of single use.
