Real-time measurement system for photochemical manufacturing systems

Abstract

The present invention relates to the field of photodetection, and more particularly to photodetection in photochemical reactors, and more specifically to photodetection in photochemical reactors adapted for the inactivation of pathogens. A system and method for detecting light emitted into a photoreactor may include a housing including a fluid channel configured to transport a fluid containing a photosensitizer and reactants from an inlet to an outlet, preferably along a longitudinal axis, and at least one light source positioned adjacent to the fluid channel, also preferably along a longitudinal axis.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] (Cross - reference to related applications) This international patent PCT application claims the benefit of U.S. Patent Provisional Application No. 63 / 454,404, filed on March 24, 2023, the specification, claims, and drawings of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

[0002] The present invention relates to the field of photodetection, particularly to photodetection in a photoreactor, specifically to photodetection in a photoreactor adapted for pathogen inactivation.

Background Art

[0003] Vaccination continues to be the most effective measure for mitigating pandemics and has proven effective against viral and bacterial pathogens. Conventional vaccine manufacturing methods include the use of RNA vaccines and DNA vaccines, subunit vaccines, attenuated vaccines, and vector vaccines that utilize virus - like particles (VLPs), adenoviruses, or bacterial host constructs. Inactivated vaccines have been the mainstream in vaccinology for decades. Even today, examples of inactivated vaccines include constructs for influenza, cholera, glanders, and polio. Inactivated virus vaccines are typically produced by exposing a virulent virus to a chemical agent or a physical agent, such as formalin or β - propiolactone, to destroy its infectivity. However, upon exposure to such strong chemical and / or physical agents, viral epitopes may be destroyed, and there is a risk that immunogenicity may be reduced or destroyed.

[0004] To address these limitations, the use of photochemical inactivation has been proposed, for example, in International Application PCT / US2021 / 023996 by Goodrich et al., incorporated herein by reference. Using Goodrich's photoreactor, viral and bacterial pathogens can be inactivated by irradiation with ultraviolet light in the presence of riboflavin. This photochemical reaction alters the nucleic acids present in the pathogen, specifically through the oxidation of guanine bases in the nucleic acids, while maintaining the pathogen's replication ability and preserving the efficacy and integrity of the antigenic proteins.

[0005] However, this process relies on irradiation with light to promote photochemical inactivation, and therefore, calibration of the light intensity used in such photoreactors is crucial for pathogen inactivation. Conventional photoreactors use expensive UV spectrometers to measure the light intensity and perform the necessary calibration. However, this method is costly, difficult to maintain, and does not allow for real-time measurements of a photobioreactor in operation.

[0006] Therefore, there has long been a need for a simple and cost-effective system for detecting, measuring, and calibrating light intensity within photobioreactor systems. Furthermore, there is a need to detect and calibrate the photochemical reactions of photoreactors used to inactivate viral or bacterial particles in real time. [Overview of the project]

[0007] The present invention relates to systems, methods, and apparatus for the calibration, detection, and real-time dynamic measurement of in vitro photochemical reactions and associated light energy. In a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a system and method for detecting light emitted into a photoreactor may include a housing including a fluid channel configured to transport a fluid containing a photosensitizer and reactants from inlet to outlet, preferably along a longitudinal axis, and at least one light source positioned adjacent to the fluid channel, also preferably along a longitudinal axis. In another preferred embodiment, the photosensitizer is a flavin, such as riboflavin or psoralen, and the reactants are microorganisms, such as viruses or bacteria. The system may further include a photodetection assembly having one or more photodiodes positioned adjacent to the light sources and configured to generate an electrical signal in response to the light energy generated by at least one light source. The system may further include a controller electrically connected to the one or more photodiodes and configured to convert the electrical signal into a sensor signal corresponding to the light energy.

[0008] In another version of the first exemplary embodiment, the system for detecting light emitted into the photoreactor, the light source, includes at least one inner light source adjacent to the fluid channel, the at least one inner light source positioned between the fluid channel and the longitudinal axis. In another preferred embodiment, the light source may include at least one outer light source adjacent to the fluid channel, the fluid channel positioned between the outer light source and the longitudinal axis. In another preferred embodiment, the fluid channel is a helical path wound around the longitudinal axis.

[0009] In another version of the first exemplary embodiment, a system for detecting light emitted into a photoreactor, the light source may further include the longitudinal axes of an inner light source and / or an outer light source, and the system includes one or more photodiodes positioned adjacent to the light source at one or more corresponding measurement positions along the longitudinal axis of the light source. In another preferred embodiment, the photodiodes preferably include UV-A dominant diodes having detection sensitivity from 220 nm to 370 nm. In another example, the light source of the system of the present invention may be selected and include a fluorescent light source, an LED light source, a narrowband wavelength light source, a peak UV-B wavelength, a peak UV-C wavelength, and peak wavelengths outside of UV-B and UV-C, or any combination thereof.

[0010] In another version of the first exemplary embodiment, one or more parameters of the operation of the photoreactor can be adjusted, preferably by a controller, more preferably automatically and / or in real time, thereby calibrating, optimizing, or maintaining the photochemical reaction between the photosensitizer and the reactant in an optimal or desired state. In one example, the intensity of the light source is adjusted in response to a sensor signal. In another example, one or more light sources are activated or deactivated in response to a sensor signal. In yet another example, the wavelength of the light source is adjusted in response to a sensor signal. In yet another example, the flow rate of the fluid through the channel is adjusted in response to a sensor signal. In yet another example, the ratio of photosensitizer to microorganisms is adjusted in response to a sensor signal. In yet another example, the sensor signal corresponds to a malfunction or anomaly in the light emitted by one or more light sources.

[0011] In a second embodiment of the present invention, a system and method for measuring a photochemical reaction includes a photoreactor having a fluid channel configured to transport a fluid from an inlet to an outlet, the fluid containing a photosensitizer and a reactant. In another preferred embodiment, the photosensitizer is riboflavin, and the reactant contains a microorganism such as a virus or bacteria.

[0012] The system may further include a fluid sensing assembly positioned at the inlet and / or outlet of a fluid channel, the assembly comprising a light source configured to guide light energy through the fluid in the fluid channel, and at least one photodiode positioned adjacent to the fluid channel and configured to generate an electrical signal in response to the light energy generated by the light source passing through the fluid. The system may further include a controller electrically connected to one or more photodiodes, the controller further configured to convert the electrical signal into a sensor signal corresponding to the light energy passing through the fluid.

[0013] In another version of the first exemplary embodiment, the system for detecting light emitted into the photoreactor, the light source, includes at least one inner light source adjacent to the fluid channel, the at least one inner light source positioned between the fluid channel and the longitudinal axis. In another preferred embodiment, the light source may include at least one outer light source adjacent to the fluid channel, the fluid channel positioned between the outer light source and the longitudinal axis. In another preferred embodiment, the fluid channel is a helical path wound around the longitudinal axis.

[0014] In another version of the first exemplary embodiment, a system for detecting light emitted into a photoreactor, the light source may further include the longitudinal axes of an inner light source and / or an outer light source, and the system includes one or more photodiodes positioned adjacent to the light source at one or more corresponding measurement positions along the longitudinal axis of the light source. In another preferred embodiment, the photodiodes preferably include UV-A dominant diodes having detection sensitivity from 220 nm to 370 nm. In another example, the light source of the system of the present invention may be selected and include a fluorescent light source, an LED light source, a narrowband wavelength light source, a peak UV-B wavelength, a peak UV-C wavelength, and peak wavelengths outside of UV-B and UV-C.

[0015] In another version of the first exemplary embodiment, one or more parameters of the operation of the photoreactor can be adjusted, preferably by a controller, more preferably automatically and / or in real time, thereby calibrating, optimizing, or maintaining the photochemical reaction between the photosensitizer and the reactant in an optimal or desired state. In one example, the intensity of the light source is adjusted in response to a sensor signal. In another example, one or more light sources are activated or deactivated in response to a sensor signal. In yet another example, the wavelength of the light source is adjusted in response to a sensor signal. In yet another example, the flow rate of the fluid through the channel is adjusted in response to a sensor signal. In yet another example, the ratio of the photosensitizer to the microorganism is adjusted in response to a sensor signal. In a preferred embodiment, the sensor signal corresponds to a change in the color of the fluid. As used herein, the term “color” refers to the wavelength of visible light and is also called the “color spectrum,” and further, the process relating to detecting a change in the wavelength of light or a change in color means detecting an observable change in the color spectrum resulting from a physical or chemical change occurring in the fluid that results in an observable change in the color spectrum.

[0016] Another version of the first exemplary embodiment describes a system for detecting emitted light, which may be configured to detect the wavelength of light energy applied to the system or the color spectrum of a fluid. In this embodiment, a fluid channel may be configured to transport a fluid containing at least one reactant, and at least one light source is positioned adjacent to the fluid channel. Furthermore, the system may include a photodetection assembly including one or more sensors positioned adjacent to the light source and configured to detect the light energy generated by the light source, and a controller electrically connected to the one or more sensors and configured to generate a signal corresponding to the wavelength of the light energy or the color spectrum of the fluid.

[0017] Another version of the first exemplary embodiment describes a method for calibrating a photoreactor light source. In this embodiment, the method includes guiding a fluid through a fluid channel, the fluid containing at least one reactant, and further directing a light source adjacent to the fluid channel to radiate light into the fluid. A sensor is positioned adjacent to the light source and configured to detect the light energy generated by the light source and transmit an electrical signal to a controller. The electrical signal is converted into a signal corresponding to the wavelength of the light energy or the color spectrum of the fluid. In this embodiment, the signal corresponding to the wavelength of the light energy or the color spectrum of the fluid can be compared to a control signal generated under a negative or positive control parameter.

[0018] Another version of the first embodiment describes a method for measuring a photochemical reaction. In this embodiment, the method comprises establishing a photoreactor having a fluid channel configured to transport a fluid from an inlet to an outlet, the fluid comprising at least one reactant, and light energy being guided through the fluid. At least one sensor is positioned adjacent to the fluid channel and generates an electrical signal corresponding to the wavelength of the light energy or the color spectrum of the fluid, which is converted into a sensor signal corresponding to the wavelength of the light energy or the color spectrum of the fluid.

[0019] Further aspects of the present invention may become apparent based on the following specification and claims.

[0020] The above summary and the following detailed description of preferred embodiments of the present invention will be better understood when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the present invention, preferred embodiments at present are shown in the drawings. However, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the exact arrangements and means shown. The drawings are as follows. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0021] [Figure 1]Perspective view of a photoreactor according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] Perspective views of some of the components of the photoreactor of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] Perspective view of the lamp subassembly of FIG. 1. [Figure 4] Top cross-sectional view of the lamp subassembly of FIG. 3 taken along section line 4-4 of FIG. 3. [Figure 5] Longitudinal perspective cross-sectional view of the photoreactor of FIG. 2 taken along section line 5-5 of FIG. 2. [Figure 6] Perspective views of some of the components of the photoreactor of FIG. 1. [Figure 7] Top view of a coil assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] Longitudinal perspective cross-sectional view of the coil subassembly of FIG. 7 taken along section line 8-8 of FIG. 7. [Figure 9] Longitudinal perspective cross-sectional view of the components of the coil subassembly of FIG. 7 taken along section line 8-8 of FIG. 7. [Figure 10] Longitudinal perspective cross-sectional view of the components of the coil assembly of FIG. 7 taken along section line 8-8 of FIG. 7. [Figure 11] Perspective view of a lamp subassembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 12] Top cross-sectional view of the lamp subassembly of FIG. 11. [Figure 13] Perspective view of a lamp subassembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 14] Top cross-sectional view of the lamp subassembly of FIG. 13. [Figure 15] Perspective view of a lamp subassembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 16] Top cross-sectional view of the lamp subassembly of FIG. 15. [Figure 17] Perspective view of a lamp subassembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 18] Figure 17 is a top cross-sectional view of the lamp subassembly. [Figure 19] This is a graph showing the light intensity over time when using a photodiode to calibrate the light intensity of a lamp with and without a warm-up phase, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 20A] This figure shows a photodetector assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 20B] This figure shows a photodetector assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 21] This figure shows a photodetection assembly having a photodiode fixed at a measurement position adjacent to a lamp, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 22] This is a schematic diagram of a photodetector having an array of photodiodes fixed at a measurement position on a photoreactor housing, adjacent to a lamp, and responsive to a controller, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 23] This is a schematic diagram of a fluid detection assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, which is fixed to a photodiode, adjacent to a fluid chamber, and positioned in series with a lamp. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0022] The present invention, as generally described herein, will be more readily understood by reference to the following examples, which are included solely for the purpose of illustrating specific embodiments of the invention. These examples are not limiting to the invention, and those skilled in the art will recognize from the above teachings and the following examples that other techniques and methods can also satisfy the claims and be used without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. Indeed, although the present invention is shown and described in particular with reference to its preferred embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications in form and detail are possible without departing from the scope of the invention as encompassed in the appended claims.

[0023] This specification describes components, devices, systems, and methods for detection and calibration of UV radiation from one or more photodiodes of a photoreactor configured for the inactivation of virus-producing pathogens or for the sterilization of materials or surfaces. As described above, and as taught by Goodrich et al., the photosensitizer riboflavin and ultraviolet light selectively inactivate viruses and other pathogens by directly damaging nucleic acids while maintaining the integrity of proteins and other viral antigens. Due to the properties of the photosensitizer (riboflavin), it has low toxicity, making it easy to handle, distribute, and process even under harsh conditions.

[0024] Figures 1 to 6 show exemplary embodiments of a photoreactor 100 that emits photons and directs them to a fluid, such as a solution containing a photosensitizer, such as riboflavin. The photoreactor 100 may be included in a photoreactor system that may include a pump (not shown), such as a positive displacement pump, for pumping the fluid, and at least one reservoir (not shown) for storing the fluid. Referring to Figure 1, the photoreactor 100 includes a base 102 which may include a substantially flat flange portion 104 for mounting on a flat surface. The flange portion 104 may define one or more openings 106 for receiving corresponding fasteners for securing the photoreactor 100 to the flat surface. The base 102 may also include a cylindrical portion 108 extending upward from the flange portion 104 along a longitudinal axis X. The cylindrical portion 108 may include a plurality of radial openings (not shown) for providing passages for electrical cables, tubes, and / or ventilation air to pass through the cylindrical portion 108. The reflective sleeve 110 or housing described below may extend axially between the cylindrical portion 108 of the base 102 and the cylindrical portion 128 of the upper cap 112 located at the opposite end of the base 102. The reflective sleeve 110 may have a cylindrical shape with a mirror-finished inner surface for reflecting light inward. The mirror-finished inner surface may include an oxide coating such as ZnO2, Y2O3, ThO2, Sc2O3, MgO, Al2O3, HfO2, TiO2, SiO2, or various combinations thereof. The upper cap 112 may have a cylindrical shape with a ventilation plate 114 at its most distal axial end. The ventilation panel 114 may have or may have one or more axial openings 116 for providing passages for electrical cables, tubes, and / or ventilation air to pass through the ventilation panel 114.

[0025] Figure 2 shows the photoreactor 100 with the reflective shield 110 removed. One or more support rods 118 may extend axially between the cylindrical portion 108 of the base 102 and the upper cap 112. The support rods 118 may support the upper cap 112 alone or in combination with the reflective shield 110. In some embodiments, the support rods 118 may be removed, and the upper cap 112 may be supported only by the reflective shield 110. The cylindrical portion 108, the upper cap 112, and the reflective shield 110 may house a lamp subassembly 150. The lamp subassembly 150 includes one or more lamps 152, each lamp 152 having a base 156 for connecting one or more light bulbs 154 arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis X.

[0026] As best illustrated in Figures 3 and 4, the lamp subassembly 150 has 18 lamps 152, each lamp 152 having two bulbs 154 (each lamp is divided into two halves but is in fact one lamp). The base 156 may include a receptacle for receiving one or more bulbs 154 and at least two pins on the opposite side of the receptacle for electrical connection to a corresponding socket 158. The base 156 may be a 2G11 type base having four pins. It is assumed that the lamp assembly 150 may include other lamp and / or bulb types or shapes known to those skilled in the art. The lamps 152 of the subassembly 150 may be arranged along two concentric circles and alternately mounted on the base 102 and the upper cap 112. For example, as shown in Figure 3, seven lamps 152 and sockets 158 may be arranged in a downward-extending heptagonal orientation, surrounding two downward-extending inner lamps 152. Between each pair of bulbs 154 of adjacent downward-extending lamps 152, there is a pair of upward-extending bulbs 154. The upward-extending lamps 152 are also arranged in a heptagonal shape, but include seven corresponding lamps 152 that are offset by 360 degrees / approximately 51 degrees relative to the seven downward-extending lamps 152, and two corresponding inner lamps 152 that are also upward-extending but offset by 90 degrees relative to the two downward-extending lamps 152. Other arrangements of the lamp subassemblies 150 have also been conceived and will be described in more detail below.

[0027] Returning to the light bulb 154, the lamp subassembly 150 may include a fluorescent lamp configured to emit visible light, ultraviolet (UV), and / or infrared light within a broadband or narrowband. For example, the light bulb 154 may be a fluorescent lamp configured to emit broadband UV-A and UV-B wavelengths, such as a bandwidth of approximately 275 nm to 375 nm. The light bulb 154 may be a germicidal fluorescent lamp configured to emit narrowband UV-C wavelengths, such as a narrowband centered around 253.7 nm. The light bulb 154 may also include a narrowband LED bulb, but broadband is also possible. In some non-limiting examples, an LED bulb may be configured to have a bandwidth of approximately 10 nm or less, centered around peak wavelengths of 265 nm, 275 nm, 310 nm, 365 nm, 395 nm, or 405 nm. The peak wavelength may be the maximum amplitude of wavelengths emitted from the entire spectrum of light emitted from the light source, or the wavelength associated with the maximum amount of energy emitted in the narrowband at each local amplitude peak emitted from the light source. The lamps 152 of the lamp subassembly 150 may be configured to have any broadband or narrowband fluorescent lamps or LED bulbs, or a combination thereof. For example, the lamp subassembly 150 may consist of 18 fluorescent lamps configured to emit broadband UV-A and UV-B wavelengths and 18 LED bulbs configured to emit light at a wavelength of 265 nm. The lamp subassembly 150 may be configured to allow for the quick replacement of any number of bulbs 154 as needed without removing the entire lamp subassembly 150. Furthermore, as will be described in more detail below, the lamps 152 and / or bulbs 154 may be selectively enabled, disabled, or calibrated for various reasons. Furthermore, some bulbs, particularly LED bulbs, may be switched on and off intermittently to achieve a desired duty cycle. Furthermore, LED bulbs with different wavelengths may be repeatedly switched on and off. The following is an example showing how the photoreactor 100 may be configured and reconfigured. The photoreactor 100 may have a lamp subassembly 150 that includes 36 fluorescent lamps configured to emit broadband UV-A and UV-B wavelengths.The operator may pass a certain amount of fluid through the photoreactor 100. Next, the operator may electrically turn off 18 of the light bulbs 152 to reduce power and heat generation, and then pass another amount of fluid through the photoreactor 100. Next, the operator may reconfigure the lamp subassembly 150 so that 18 fluorescent lamps emit broadband UV-A and UV-B wavelengths and 18 LED bulbs emit 265 nm wavelength light, and then turn on the 18 bulbs that were previously turned off. Then, the operator may pass another amount of fluid through the photoreactor 100. Next, the operator may turn off the 18 fluorescent lamps and pass another amount of fluid through the photoreactor 100. Finally, the operator may turn on the 18 fluorescent lamps, turn off the 18 LED bulbs, and pass another amount of fluid through the photoreactor 100. In the examples above, fluorescent lamps and LED bulbs configured to emit light of the UV wavelength were described, but the lamp subassembly may also include fluorescent lamps and / or LED bulbs configured to emit light of the visible light wavelength or infrared wavelength. Furthermore, the lamp subassembly 150 may also be configured to use incandescent bulbs, halogen lamps, arc lamps, and gas discharge lamps.

[0028] In some embodiments, the wavelength of ultraviolet light may be 170–400 nm, including all ranges and subranges in between. For example, in some embodiments, the wavelength of ultraviolet light may be 315–400 nm, 310–320 nm, 280–360 nm, 280–315 nm, or 180–280 nm. In some embodiments, viral particles may be treated simultaneously with light of multiple wavelengths. In some embodiments using riboflavin as a photosensitizer, ultraviolet light with a wavelength of 310–320 nm may be used. The inventors have determined that this wavelength prevents riboflavin from reacting in free solution, thereby preventing the generation of undesirable oxygen free radicals. At these wavelengths, riboflavin can react selectively when intercalated with nucleic acids.

[0029] Furthermore, the inventors have determined that the radiation characteristics of the UV radiation lamp 203 may vary at various points along its length, resulting in inconsistent application of light energy to the fluid sample. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the present invention includes a system, method, and apparatus for calibrating the light output of one or more lamps 203 of a photoreactor 100, and further providing detection of anomalies or malfunctions that may alter the photochemical reaction between a photosensitizer and a pathogen in a fluid.

[0030] Referring generally to Figure 22, in one embodiment, the photoreactor 100 of the present invention includes a photodetection assembly 200 configured to detect the intensity of light generated within the photoreactor 100. In this preferred embodiment, the photodetection assembly 200 of the present invention includes one, or preferably one, photodiode 205, positioned adjacent to the lamp 203 of the present invention. As shown in Figure 21, a series of photodiodes 205 positioned within a support 204 are positioned at a measurement position 207 along the length of the lamp 203, and the lamp bay is adjacent to a fluid channel 201 configured to deliver a fluid 202 containing a photosensitizer and reactants.

[0031] In this configuration, multiple photodiodes 205, preferably UV-A dominant diodes with detection sensitivity in the range of 220 nm to 370 nm, are positioned adjacent to the lamp 203 and configured to detect the intensity of ultraviolet energy from the lamp 203. The photodiodes 205 can further be electrically connected to a controller 208 configured to detect and amplify the captured light energy and convert it into a sensor signal that can be transmitted to an output device. In this embodiment, the sensor signal may be displayed as a visual or audible indication on an output device 209, such as a general-purpose computer or other computerized device, which corresponds to the light emission captured by the photodiodes 205 and is configured to display the sensor signal. An operator, or an executable computer program running on a programmable computing device, can detect and analyze the sensor signal to detect anomalies or malfunctions in the illumination of the lamp 203.

[0032] As further shown in Figure 19, in additional embodiments, an operator or an executable computer program running on a programmable computing device generates multiple light energy measurements over time and monitors changes in sensor signals corresponding to light intensity within the photoreactor 100. Based on these sensor signal outputs, the operator can dynamically adjust parameters of the photoreactor 100 in real time, such as light emission, fluid flow rate, number of lamps on or off, number of lamps on, concentration of reactants such as photosensitizers and / or pathogens, and wavelength of the light source.

[0033] The photodiode 205 of the present invention can be positioned on a housing 206 to detect light intensity in a closed environment, such as a photoreactor. As shown in Figures 1 and 22, a single photodiode 205, or an array of photodiodes 205, can be fixed to a reflective sleeve 110 or within a coil subassembly 20, for example, between the inner and outer lamps of a lamp subassembly 150, as schematically described herein.

[0034] The amount of ultraviolet (UV) radiation may vary depending on the volume of solution being treated. For example, the UV radiation dose may be 200–400 joules (e.g., 300 joules) when the volume of solution is about 170–370 mL. In another embodiment, the UV radiation dose may be about 1 / 2 joule per milliliter of fluid passing through the fluid channel 201. As those skilled in the art will understand, the radiation dose may be increased or decreased to adjust the volume being treated above or below this range.

[0035] In some embodiments, the amount of ultraviolet irradiation may be about 200 joules to about 600 joules, for example, about 200, about 225, about 250, about 275, about 300, about 325, about 350, about 375, about 400, about 425, about 450, about 475, about 500, about 525, about 550, about 575, or about 600 joules. In some embodiments, the volume of the virus preparation for irradiation may be about 200 mL to about 600 mL, for example, about 200, about 225, about 250, about 275, about 300, about 325, about 350, about 375, about 400, about 425, about 450, about 475, about 500, about 525, about 550, about 575, or about 600 mL. In some embodiments, the ultraviolet radiation dose may range from about 0.5 joules / mL to about 3.0 joules / mL. For example, the ultraviolet radiation dose may be about 0.5, about 0.6, about 0.7, about 0.8, about 0.9, about 1.0, about 1.1, about 1.2, about 1.3, about 1.4, about 1.5, about 1.6, about 1.7, about 1.8, about 1.9, about 2.0, about 2.1, about 2.2, about 2.3, about 2.4, about 2.5, about 2.6, about 2.7, about 2.8, about 2.9, or about 3.0 joules / mL. In a preferred embodiment, the ultraviolet radiation dose may be 0.5 joules / mL. In other specific embodiments, the ultraviolet radiation may include any of the aforementioned values ​​or may be several orders of magnitude higher.

[0036] In some embodiments, the phototreatment includes treatment with light derived from a blue LED. In some embodiments, the wavelength of the light is 300 nm to 500 nm. In some embodiments, the wavelength is approximately 450 nm. In one embodiment, the wavelength is approximately 447 nm.

[0037] As described above, the total energy or energy per unit volume can be adjusted. This may be done by adjusting the pump speed, selecting a tube 132 of a predetermined length / diameter, and / or turning various lamps 152 on and off, as well as changing the intensity of the lamps / LEDs.

[0038] Returning to the figures, Figure 5 is a longitudinal perspective cross-sectional view showing the internal features of the photoreactor 100. The base 102 may include an annular base mounting surface 120 extending radially inward from a cylindrical portion 108 for mounting the sockets 158 of each upward-extending lamp 152 of the outer circumferentially arranged lamps 152. Similarly, the upper cap 112 may include an annular upper cap mounting surface 122 extending radially inward from a cylindrical portion 128 for mounting the sockets 158 of each downward-extending lamp 152 of the outer circumferentially arranged lamps 152. Both the annular mounting surface 120 of the base and the annular mounting surface 122 of the upper cap may include a plurality of ventilation holes extending through their mounting surfaces. The base 102 may also include a lower central mounting surface 124 that is removably attachable to the base 102 and positioned radially inward and centrally relative to the base mounting surface 120. The socket 158 ​​for the upward-extending inner lamp 152 may be mounted on the lower central mounting surface 124. Similarly, the upper cap 112 may also include an upper central mounting surface 126 that is removably mounted to the upper cap 112 and is positioned radially inward and centrally relative to the upper cap mounting surface 122. The socket 158 ​​for the downward-extending inner lamp 152 may be mounted on the upper central mounting surface 126.

[0039] The photoreactor 100 may also include a coil subassembly 130 positioned between the inner and outer lamps 152 of a lamp subassembly 150. The coil subassembly 130 may include an inner cylindrical shield 134 adjacent to the inner lamp 152 and positioned radially outward relative to the inner lamp 152. The coil subassembly 130 may include an outer shield 136 spaced apart from the inner shield 134 and adjacent to the outer lamp 152, positioned radially inward relative to the outer lamp 152. The inner shield 134 and the outer shield 136 may include a rigid material that is translucent to ultraviolet wavelengths, such as quartz. To maintain the spacing between the inner shield 134 and the outer shield 136, annular upper ventilation plates 138 and annular lower ventilation plates 140 may be positioned at the upper and lower ends, respectively, between the inner and outer shields. The upper ventilation plate 138 may define one or more openings 142 for providing a passage for the tube and / or ventilation air through the upper ventilation plate 138. Similarly, the lower ventilation plate 140 may define one or more openings 144 for providing a passage for the tube and / or ventilation air through the lower ventilation plate 140. At least one of the upper ventilation plate 138 or the lower ventilation plate 140 may be removable to install the tube 132 in the space between the inner shield 134 and the outer shield 136 and to remove the tube 132 from there.

[0040] The coil subassembly 130 may also include a tube 132 that is spirally wound within the space between the inner shield 134 and the outer shield 136, with ends that can extend through the opening 142 of the upper vent plate 138 and the opening 144 of the lower vent plate 140, respectively. The tube 132 may be a Class VI tube and may be made of a material that is at least partially ultraviolet-transmitting, such as FEP, PTFE, or THV. The inner shield 134 and the outer shield 136 may provide structural support for the tube 132 and may also help to shield the fluid passing through the tube 132 from heat that is not directly radiated into the fluid by the light bulb 154.

[0041] The space between the inner shield 134 and the outer shield 136 can be configured to accommodate tubes of different diameters. For example, the operator may use a smaller diameter tube 132, such as a 1 / 4-inch outer diameter tube as shown in Figure 5, for fluids that require a wider range of photon irradiation, while Figure 6 shows an inner bulb 152 surrounded by a larger diameter tube 132, such as a 7 / 8-inch outer diameter, for fluids that do not need to be exposed to as much light emitted from the lamp 152. Thus, the operator may use a tube 132 having a first outer diameter, such as 1 / 4 inch, to pass a fluid such as a solution or a biological fluid such as blood through the photoreactor 100. The operator may then remove the tube 132 from the photoreactor 100 and replace it with a tube 132 having a larger diameter, such as 7 / 8 inch, to pass a different fluid, different from the first fluid, through the photoreactor 100. Since the inner shield 134 and outer shield 136 do not come into contact with the fluid under normal operating conditions, they are configured to remain inside the photoreactor 100 during and / or after the replacement of the tube 132.

[0042] The photoreactor 100 may include a fan (not shown) housed in the space formed by the base 102, which may help push air upward along the tube 132, inner shield 134, outer shield 136, and lamp subassembly 150. In other embodiments, an additional or alternative fan may be positioned in the space formed by the upper cap 112, which may help expel air from the photoreactor 100 or expel it downward along the aforementioned components. Alternatively, a cooling source, such as an air conditioning unit, may be configured to connect to the photoreactor 100 at the upper opening 106 or the lower opening 116, forcing regulated air to flow along the aforementioned components. The photoreactor 100 may also house a ballast for a fluorescent lamp, or such a ballast may be housed externally and wired to a socket 158. The socket 158 ​​is expected to connect to the ballast when a non-fluorescent light source is used in the photoreactor 100, or it may be configured to bypass the ballast.

[0043] Figures 7 to 10 show another exemplary coil subassembly 130a. The coil subassembly 130a includes an inner core 134a (shown in Figure 10) defining the inner radial portion of the helically wound channel 132a, and an outer cylindrical sleeve 136a (shown in Figure 9) defining the outer radial portion of the helically wound channel 132a. The inner core 134a and the outer cylindrical sleeve 136a may contain a material configured to be at least partially translucent to ultraviolet light, such as a cyclic olefin copolymer or cyclic olefin polymer, and may be formed by injection molding. The inner core 134a and the outer cylindrical sleeve 136a may be solvent-bonded or ultrasonically welded to each other, as shown in Figure 8, when the respective radial portions of the helically wound channel 132a are aligned. The coil subassembly 132a may be interchangeable in shape and function with the coil assembly 130, which includes a tube 132, an inner cylindrical shield 134, an outer cylindrical shield 136, an upper vent 138, and a lower vent 140. In some embodiments, the coil subassembly 130a may have a channel 132a having a rectangular cross-section. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the inner core 134a and outer sleeve 136a may be rectangular, which may allow the inner ramp and / or outer ramp 152 to be arranged linearly along the coil subassembly 132a.

[0044] Figures 11 and 12 show another lamp subassembly 150a, similar to lamp subassembly 150 but equipped with only an inner lamp 152. Figures 13 and 14 show another lamp subassembly 150b, similar to lamp subassembly 150 but equipped with six lamps 152 that can be configured as either inner or outer lamps 152. Figures 15 and 16 show another lamp subassembly 150c, similar to lamp subassembly 150 but equipped with eight lamps 152 that can similarly be configured as either inner or outer lamps 152. Figures 17 and 18 show another lamp subassembly 150d, similar to lamp subassembly 150 but equipped with six outer lamps 152. Each of lamp subassemblies 150a to 150d may be interchangeable with lamp subassembly 150.

[0045] In another embodiment, the method is applied to a flow-through bioreactor such as a Couett flow device (not shown). The Couett flow device may comprise a transparent shell and LED lights surrounding the transparent shell. In some embodiments, the inner cylinder may include a thin optical shell on its outer circumference. The rotating inner cylinder may induce convection in the photoreaction layer. The inner cylinder may rotate at a speed sufficient to induce Rayleigh-Taylor vortices and efficiently mix the mixture in the outer shell.

[0046] The inner cylinder may be suspended within the outer cylinder. The inner cylinder may be positioned between opposing ring magnets, which can help keep the inner cylinder centered and control its axial position. The ring magnets may be radially polarized; that is, the north pole is on the outside and the south pole is on the inside, or vice versa. The rings on the fixed outer cylinder and the rotating inner cylinder may be axially offset. Either one of the rings on the outer cylinder is outside or inside the ring on the inner cylinder.

[0047] The inner cylinder can be constructed from thin-walled aluminum. This may allow for the generation of eddy currents to control the rotation of the inner cylinder. A salient-pole motor could also be constructed by connecting an iron part to the cylinder, but if there is too much iron, the cylinder may be attracted to the side walls, and it would be necessary to balance this with the magnetic force of the ring.

[0048] The sizes of the inner and outer cylinders can be set to provide an appropriate annular spacing. If the spacing is too narrow, turbulence will not occur. If the spacing is too wide, light penetration may be impaired.

[0049] The rotation of the inner cylinder can be controlled by a set of multiphase windings on the outer cylinder. Nominally, this can be considered a three-phase system. The rotational phase can rotate the inner cylinder by generating eddy currents. A variable frequency drive is required to allow for changes in rotational speed. For illumination, the light sources described above may be used. Flexible OLED sheets may also be used for illumination. Furthermore, it may be possible to mount additional lights in the center of the fixed cylinder or on the outer surface of the rotating cylinder. These would need to be powered by inductive coupling.

[0050] The fluid flow rate can be controlled by the pump speed. The overall flow rate may be controlled using the main pump, or a riboflavin pump may be subordinate to the main pump to maintain an appropriate RF / liquid ratio.

[0051] When riboflavin is intercalated with nucleic acids present in the fluid sample, the color of the fluid passing through the coil subassembly 130 changes as predicted. For example, as the level of free riboflavin in the solution decreases, the color of the fluid sample being treated changes from a deep yellow to a lighter, straw-like color. By detecting and measuring this color change before and after UV treatment in the photoreactor 100, the photochemical reaction in the fluid sample can be evaluated in real time.

[0052] In a preferred embodiment, the photoreactor 100 of the present invention includes a fluid detection assembly 300 adapted to measure the color change of a fluid sample before and / or after treatment with ultraviolet light in the presence of a photosensitizer. As shown in Figure 23, a fluid containing a certain amount of riboflavin and pathogens can pass through a coil subassembly 130 positioned between the inner and outer lamps of a lamp subassembly, as schematically described above. The fluid 302 of the present invention may enter and / or exit the coil subassembly 130 through a channel 301 which may be formed by a tube communicating with the coil subassembly 130. Positioned adjacent to the channel 301 is a lamp 303 that emits light energy, preferably ultraviolet light, as outlined herein.

[0053] One or more photodiodes 305 are positioned opposite the lamp 303, and the lamp 303 may be electrically connected to a power supply 306 and fixed by a support 304. In this embodiment, the photodiodes 305 can be configured to detect light energy passing through the fluid 302 in the channel. The photodiodes 305 are further electrically connected to a controller 307 configured to detect and amplify the captured light energy and convert it into a sensor signal that can be transmitted to an output device 308. In this embodiment, the sensor signal may be displayed as a visual or audible display on an output device 308, such as a general-purpose computer or other computerized device, which corresponds to the light radiation captured by the photodiodes 305 and is configured to display the sensor signal.

[0054] As described above, in an alternative embodiment, the fluid detection assembly 300 can be positioned adjacent to the fluid channel 301, preferably entering and exiting the coil subassembly 130 of the photoreactor 100. In this configuration, each fluid detection assembly 300 can generate a sensor signal as described. In this way, an operator or an executable computer program running on a programmable computing device can perform multiple measurements over time and monitor changes in the sensor signal corresponding to changes in the fluid color resulting from the photochemical reaction between the photosensitizer and pathogen nucleic acid in the photoreactor 100. Based on a series of sensor signal outputs, an operator or an executable computer program running on a programmable computing device can dynamically adjust parameters of the photoreactor 100 in real time, such as light emission, the flow rate of the fluid 302, the number of lit lamps, the concentration of the photosensitizer and / or pathogen, and the wavelength of the light source.

[0055] As used herein, “photodiode” means a known electronic device comprising a conductive material exhibiting a pn junction or PIN structure, particularly a semiconductor material, i.e., a photodiode containing at least two types of materials, wherein the at least two materials include different types of doping and are referred to as “p-type” and “n-type” materials, and may further be separated by a specific “i”-type region.

[0056] As used herein, “spectrometer,” also referred to as an optical spectrometer, spectrophotometer, spectrocolorimeter, or spectrometer, generally refers to an instrument used in spectroscopic analysis to measure the properties of light across specific parts of the electromagnetic spectrum.

[0057] As used herein, the term “light” generally refers to electromagnetic radiation in one or more of the visible spectral range, the ultraviolet spectral range, and the infrared spectral range. Here, the term “visible spectral range” generally refers to the spectral range from 380 nm to 780 nm. The term “infrared spectral range” generally refers to electromagnetic radiation in the range from 780 nm to 1 mm, preferably from 780 nm to 3.0 micrometers. The term “ultraviolet spectral range” generally refers to electromagnetic radiation in the range from 1 nm to 380 nm, preferably from 100 nm to 380 nm. Preferably, the light used in this invention is visible light, i.e., light in the visible spectral range. The term “light beam” generally refers to a certain amount of light that is emitted and / or reflected in a specific direction. Thus, a light beam may be a bundle of rays having a predetermined spread in a direction perpendicular to the direction of propagation of the light beam. Preferably, the optical beam may be one or more Gaussian optical beams, or may include one or more Gaussian optical beams, which can be characterized by one or more Gaussian beam parameters, such as one or more other beam parameters or combinations of beam parameters, which are suitable for characterizing beam waist, Rayleigh length, or beam diameter expansion and / or beam propagation in space.

[0058] As used herein, “photosensitizer” generally refers to a compound that absorbs electromagnetic radiation, most commonly in the visible spectrum, and releases it as another form of energy, most commonly as reactive oxygen species and / or thermal energy. Preferably, the compound is non-toxic to humans or can be incorporated into a non-toxic composition. Preferably, the photodegraded form of the compound is also non-toxic. A non-comprehensive list of photosensitive chemicals can be found in Kreimer-Birnbaum, Ser. Hematol. 26:157-73, 1989 and Redmond and Gamlin, Photochem. Photbiol. 70(4):391-475 (1999), both of which are incorporated herein by reference. Examples of photosensitizers include flavins such as riboflavin or psoralen.

[0059] As used herein, "flavin" generally refers to a group of organic compounds formed from pteridine-based tricyclic heteronuclear organocyclic isoallooxazines and their derivatives, such as riboflavin. [ka]

[0060] As used herein, “psoralen” generally refers to the photoreactive parent compound in the family of naturally occurring organic compounds known as linear furanocoumarins. Psoralen “psoralen” refers to a naturally occurring compound that forms DNA interstrand crosslinks by intercalating into the 5'-AT sequence of DNA, and psoralen binds to thymidine nucleotides under UVA irradiation to form thymidine adducts. In one embodiment, psoralen is a compound having the following chemical formula: [ka]

[0061] As used herein, “sensor signal” generally refers to any memorizable and transmissible signal generated by a photodiode in response to illumination. Thus, as an example, the sensor signal may be, or include, at least one electronic signal, which may be, or include, a digital electronic signal and / or an analog electronic signal. The sensor signal may be, or include, at least one voltage signal and / or at least one current signal. Furthermore, either the raw sensor signal may be used, or a detector, photosensor, or any other element may be adapted to process or preprocess the sensor signal, thereby generating a secondary sensor signal that can be used as a preprocessed sensor signal, such as one filtered. The sensor signal may generally be any signal indicating light intensity, preferably light intensity over time.

[0062] Certain embodiments of the technology of the present invention may utilize machines and / or devices such as modules, which include general-purpose computers, computers capable of executing algorithms, computer-readable media, software, computer-readable media for continuing specific programming, computer networks, server and receiver networks, transmission elements, wireless devices and / or smartphones, internet transmission and reception elements, cloud-based storage and transmission systems, software-updatable elements, computer routines and / or subroutines, computer-readable memory, data storage elements, random access memory elements, and / or computer interface displays capable of representing data in a physically perceptible form, such as visually displaying the processed data. In addition, as can be naturally understood, any of the processes described herein may be implemented in some embodiments through a variety of hardware applications, including keyboards, mice, computer graphical interfaces, voice-driven or input devices, servers, receivers, and other suitable hardware devices known to those skilled in the art.

[0063] As used herein, “controller” may include “processor,” “processor system,” or “processing system,” which includes any suitable hardware and / or software system, mechanism, or component for processing data, sensor signals, or other information. A processor may include a general-purpose central processing unit, a plurality of processing units, dedicated circuits for realizing functions, or other systems for implementing one or more “computer executable programs” in the form of generally programmed software-based executable instructions. Processing does not need to be limited to a geographical location or time. For example, a processor can perform its functions in “real-time,” “offline,” “batch mode,” etc. Parts of the processing may be performed by different (or the same) processing systems at different times and in different locations. A computer may be any processor that communicates with memory. Memory may be any suitable storage medium that the processor can read, such as random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), magnetic disks or optical disks, or other tangible media suitable for storing instructions for execution by the processor.

[0064] Certain embodiments may be implemented by using a programmed general-purpose digital computer, or by using application-specific integrated circuits, programmable logic devices, field-programmable gate arrays, optical, chemical, biological, quantum, or nanoengineering systems, components, and mechanisms. In general, the functionality of a particular embodiment can be achieved by any means known in the art. Distributed network systems, components, and / or circuits may be used. Communication or transfer of data may be done by wired, wireless, or other means.

[0065] It will also be understood that one or more of the elements shown in the drawings / figures may be implemented in a more separated or integrated manner, or may be removed or disabled in some cases, to be useful for a particular application. Implementing a program or code that can be stored in a machine-readable medium to enable a computer to perform any of the above methods is also within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0066] For the sake of brevity, prior art relating to computer programming, computer networking, and other functional aspects of systems (and individual operating components of systems) may not be described in detail herein. In addition, those skilled in the art will understand that the embodiments can be implemented in combination with any number of system and / or network architectures, data transmission protocols, and device configurations, and that the systems described herein are merely one preferred example. Furthermore, certain terms may be used for reference purposes only and are not intended to be limiting. For example, the terms “first,” “second,” and other numerical terms do not imply order or sequence unless explicitly indicated by the context.

[0067] In this specification, embodiments of the subject matter may be described in terms of functional block components and / or logical block components, and by reference to symbolic representations of operations, processing tasks, and functions that can be performed by various computing components or devices. Such operations, tasks, and functions may also be referred to as computer execution, computerization, software implementation, or computer implementation. In this regard, it should be understood that the various block components shown in the figures can be realized by any number of hardware, software, and / or firmware components configured to perform specific functions.

[0068] For example, the system or component embodiment may utilize various integrated circuit components, such as memory elements, digital signal processing elements, logic elements, lookup tables, etc., which may perform various functions under the control of one or more microprocessors or other control devices. In this regard, the subject matter described herein can be implemented in the context of any computer implementation system and / or in relation to two or more separate computer implementation systems that cooperate and communicate with each other.

[0069] As used herein, the term “electrically connected” means two or more components of a system configured to enable wired or wireless transmission of electric current.

[0070] Furthermore, where used or when used, the transitional phrase “comprising” is used to maintain the “open-ended” claims of this specification, in accordance with the interpretation of prior claims. Therefore, unless otherwise required in the context, the term “comprise,” or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising,” is intended to mean the inclusion of a specified element or process, or group of elements or processes, and not the exclusion of other elements or processes, or groups of elements or processes. Such terms should be interpreted in the most expansive way to grant the applicant the broadest possible scope of application permitted by law.

[0071] As described above, specific embodiments are illustrated and explained, but as will be obvious to those skilled in the art, various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Such modifications and changes are within the scope of the invention and teachings as defined in the claims appended to this specification.

Claims

1. A system for detecting light emitted inside a photoreactor, It is a housing, A fluid channel configured to transport a fluid containing a photosensitizer and reactants along its longitudinal axis from an inlet to an outlet, At least one light source positioned adjacent to the fluid channel along the longitudinal axis, A housing to accommodate, A light detection assembly, One or more photodiodes are positioned adjacent to the light source and configured to generate an electrical signal in response to the light energy generated by at least one of the light sources. A controller, which is electrically connected to one or more photodiodes and configured to convert the electrical signals into sensor signals corresponding to the light energy, A photodetector assembly including, A system equipped with these features.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the light source includes at least one internal light source adjacent to the fluid channel, and the at least one internal light source is positioned between the fluid channel and the longitudinal axis.

3. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the light source includes at least one external light source adjacent to the fluid channel, and the fluid channel is positioned between the external light source and the longitudinal axis.

4. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the fluid channel includes a helical path wound around the longitudinal axis.

5. The system according to claim 1, wherein the photosensitizer comprises flavin or psoralen.

6. The system according to claim 5, wherein the flavin is riboflavin.

7. The system according to claim 1, wherein the reactant contains microorganisms.

8. The system according to claim 7, wherein the microorganism is selected from viruses and / or bacteria.

9. The system according to claim 1, wherein one or more photodiodes are positioned adjacent to the light source at one or more corresponding measurement positions along the longitudinal axis of the light source.

10. The system according to any one of claims 2 to 3, wherein one or more photodiodes are positioned adjacent to the longitudinal axis of the inner light source and / or the outer light source.

11. The system according to claim 1, wherein the photodiode includes a UV-A dominant diode.

12. The system according to claim 11, wherein the UV-A dominant diode has a detection sensitivity in the range of 220 nm to 370 nm.

13. The system according to claim 1, wherein the intensity of the light source is adjusted according to the sensor signal.

14. The system according to claim 1, wherein one or more light sources are activated or deactivated in response to the sensor signal.

15. The system according to claim 1, wherein the wavelength of the light source is adjusted according to the sensor signal.

16. The system according to claim 1, wherein the flow rate of the fluid passing through the channel is adjusted according to the sensor signal.

17. The system according to claim 1, wherein the ratio of the photosensitizer to the reactant is adjusted according to the sensor signal.

18. The system according to claim 1, wherein the light source is selected from a fluorescent light source, an LED light source, a narrowband wavelength light source, a peak UV-B wavelength, a peak UV-C wavelength, and a peak wavelength outside of UV-B and UV-C.

19. The system according to claim 1, wherein the sensor signal corresponds to an obstruction or abnormality of light emitted by the one or more light sources.

20. The system according to claim 1, wherein the housing includes a reflective shield.

21. A system for measuring photochemical reactions, A photoreactor having a fluid channel configured to transfer fluid from an inlet to an outlet, wherein the fluid contains a photosensitizer and reactants, A fluid detection assembly positioned at the inlet and / or outlet of the fluid channel, A light source configured to guide light energy through the fluid in the fluid channel, Positioned adjacent to the fluid channel and configured to generate an electrical signal in response to the light energy generated by the light source, A controller electrically connected to one or more photodiodes and configured to convert the electrical signals into sensor signals corresponding to the light energy passing through the fluid, A fluid detection assembly including, A system equipped with these features.

22. The system according to claim 21, wherein the photosensitizer comprises flavin or psoralen.

23. The system according to claim 22, wherein the flavin is riboflavin.

24. The system according to claim 22, wherein the reactant comprises a microorganism selected from viruses and / or bacteria.

25. The system according to claim 21, wherein the fluid detection assembly is positioned at the inlet and outlet of the fluid channel.

26. The system according to claim 21, wherein the sensor signal includes a sensor signal corresponding to the intensity of the light energy passing through the fluid and corresponding to a change in the color of the fluid.

27. The system according to claim 26, wherein the sensor signal corresponds to a change in the color of the fluid.

28. The system according to claim 21, wherein the photodiode includes a UV-A dominant diode.

29. The system according to claim 28, wherein the UV-A dominant diode has a detection sensitivity in the range of 220 nm to 370 nm.

30. The system according to claim 29, wherein the intensity of the light source is adjusted according to the sensor signal.

31. The system according to claim 21, wherein one or more light sources are activated or deactivated in response to the sensor signal.

32. The system according to claim 21, wherein the wavelength of the light source is adjusted according to the sensor signal.

33. The system according to claim 21, wherein the ratio of the photosensitizer to the reactant is adjusted according to the sensor signal.

34. The system according to any one of claims 30 to 33, wherein the controller automatically adjusts in accordance with the sensor signal.

35. The system according to claim 21, wherein the controller automatically adjusts in real time in response to the sensor signal.

36. The system according to claim 21, wherein the light source is selected from an LED light source, a narrowband wavelength light source, a fluorescent light source, and a peak UV-B wavelength, a peak UV-C wavelength, and a peak wavelength outside of UV-B and UV-C.

37. The system according to claim 21, wherein the sensor signal is displayed on an output device.

38. A method for calibrating a photoreactor light source. A step of introducing a fluid through a fluid channel, wherein the fluid contains a photosensitizer and a reactant, By directing a light source adjacent to the fluid channel, light is emitted into the fluid. The process involves positioning one or more photodiodes adjacent to the light source and generating an electrical signal in accordance with the light energy generated by the light source. The process of transmitting the aforementioned electrical signal to the controller, The process includes converting the electrical signal into a sensor signal corresponding to the intensity of the light energy, and optionally comparing the sensor signal with a control signal. Methods that include...

39. The method according to claim 38, wherein the step of directing a light source includes directing the light source adjacent to the fluid channel along the longitudinal axis of the fluid channel and emitting light into the fluid.

40. The method according to claim 38, wherein the step of directing a light source includes directing at least one internal light source adjacent to the fluid channel, the at least one internal light source being positioned between the fluid channel and the longitudinal axis.

41. The method according to claim 40, wherein the light source includes at least one external light source adjacent to the fluid channel, and the fluid channel is positioned between the external light source and the longitudinal axis.

42. The method according to claim 38, wherein the fluid channel includes a helical path wound around a longitudinal axis.

43. The method according to claim 38, wherein the photosensitizer comprises flavin or psoralen.

44. The system according to claim 43, wherein the flavin is riboflavin.

45. The method according to claim 38, wherein the reaction product contains microorganisms.

46. The method according to claim 45, wherein the microorganism is selected from viruses and / or bacteria.

47. The method according to claim 38, wherein the positioning step includes positioning one or more photodiodes adjacent to the light source at one or more corresponding measurement positions along the longitudinal axis of the light source.

48. The method according to any one of claims 39 to 41, wherein the positioning step includes the step of positioning one or more photodiodes adjacent to the longitudinal axis of the inner light source and / or the outer light source.

49. The method according to claim 38, wherein the photodiode includes a UV-A dominant diode.

50. The method according to claim 49, wherein the UV-A dominant diode has a detection sensitivity in the range of 220 nm to 370 nm.

51. The method according to claim 38, further comprising the step of adjusting the intensity of the light source in accordance with the sensor signal.

52. The method according to claim 38, further comprising the step of activating or deactivating one or more light sources in accordance with the sensor signal.

53. The method according to claim 38, further comprising the step of adjusting the wavelength of the light source in accordance with the sensor signal.

54. The method according to claim 38, further comprising the step of adjusting the flow rate of the fluid passing through the channel in accordance with the sensor signal.

55. The method according to claim 38, further comprising the step of adjusting the ratio of the photosensitizer to the reactant in accordance with the sensor signal.

56. The method according to claims 51 to 55, wherein the adjustment step includes the controller automatically adjusting in accordance with the sensor signal.

57. The method according to claim 56, wherein the adjustment step includes the controller automatically adjusting in real time in response to the sensor signal.

58. The method according to claim 38, wherein the light source is selected from a fluorescent light source, an LED light source, a narrowband wavelength light source, a peak UV-B wavelength, a peak UV-C wavelength, and a peak wavelength outside of UV-B and UV-C.

59. The method according to claim 38, further comprising the step of fixing one or more photodiodes within a housing.

60. The method according to claim 58, wherein the housing includes a reflective shield.

61. A method for measuring photochemical reactions, Establishing a photoreactor having a fluid channel configured to transfer fluid from an inlet to an outlet, wherein the fluid comprises a photosensitizer and reactants; A step of guiding light energy through the fluid, A step of positioning at least one photodiode adjacent to the fluid channel and generating an electrical signal in accordance with the light energy generated by the light source, A step of converting the electrical signal into a sensor signal corresponding to the intensity of the light energy passing through the fluid, Methods that include...

62. The method according to claim 61, wherein the photosensitizer comprises flavin or psoralen.

63. The system according to claim 62, wherein the flavin is riboflavin.

64. The method according to claim 61, wherein the reaction product comprises a microorganism selected from viruses and / or bacteria.

65. The method according to claim 61, wherein the positioning step includes positioning at least one photodiode in series with the light source at the inlet and outlet of the fluid channel.

66. The method according to claim 61, wherein the sensor signal corresponds to a change in the color of the fluid.

67. The method according to claim 61, wherein the photodiode includes a UV-A dominant diode.

68. The method according to claim 67, wherein the UV-A dominant diode has a detection sensitivity in the range of 220 nm to 370 nm.

69. The method according to claim 61, further comprising the step of adjusting the intensity of the light source in accordance with the sensor signal.

70. The method according to claim 61, further comprising the step of activating or deactivating one or more light sources in accordance with the sensor signal.

71. The method according to claim 61, further comprising the step of adjusting the wavelength of the light source in accordance with the sensor signal.

72. The method according to claim 61, further comprising the step of adjusting the flow rate of the fluid passing through the channel in accordance with the sensor signal.

73. The method according to claim 61, further comprising the step of adjusting the ratio of the photosensitizer to the reactant in accordance with the sensor signal.

74. The method according to any one of claims 69 to 73, wherein the adjustment step includes the controller automatically adjusting in accordance with the sensor signal.

75. The method according to claim 61, wherein the adjustment step includes the controller automatically adjusting in real time in response to the sensor signal.

76. The method according to claim 61, wherein the light source is selected from an LED light source, a narrowband wavelength light source, a fluorescent light source, and a peak UV-B wavelength, a peak UV-C wavelength, and a peak wavelength outside of UV-B and UV-C.

77. The method according to claim 61, further comprising the step of displaying the sensor signal on an output device.

78. A system for detecting emitted light, A fluid channel configured to transfer a fluid containing at least one reactant, At least one light source positioned adjacent to the fluid channel, A light detection assembly, One or more sensors are positioned adjacent to the light source and configured to detect the light energy generated by the light source, A controller electrically connected to one or more of the sensors and configured to generate a signal corresponding to the wavelength of the light energy or the color spectrum of the fluid, A photodetector assembly including, A system equipped with these features.

79. The system according to claim 78, wherein the one or more sensors include one or more photodiodes.

80. The system according to claim 79, wherein one or more photodiodes are positioned adjacent to the light source and configured to generate an electrical signal in accordance with the wavelength of the light energy generated by the at least one light source.

81. The system according to claim 78, wherein the reactant comprises a chemical reactant and / or a buffer.

82. The system according to claim 78, wherein the reactant includes a photoreactant.

83. The system according to claim 78, wherein the reactant contains microorganisms.

84. The system according to claim 82, wherein the photoreactant interacts with the microorganism.

85. The system according to claim 93, wherein the microorganism is selected from viruses and / or bacteria.

86. The system according to claim 78, wherein the intensity of the light source is adjusted according to the signal.

87. The system according to claim 78, wherein one or more light sources are activated or deactivated in response to the signal.

88. The system according to claim 78, wherein the wavelength of the light source is adjusted according to the signal.

89. The system according to claim 78, wherein the flow rate of the fluid passing through the channel is adjusted according to the signal.

90. The system according to claim 78, wherein the ratio of the fluid to the reactant is adjusted according to the signal.

91. The system according to claim 78, wherein the light source is selected from a fluorescent light source, an LED light source, a narrowband wavelength light source, a peak UV-B wavelength, a peak UV-C wavelength, and a peak wavelength outside of UV-B and UV-C.

92. A method for calibrating a photoreactor light source, A step of introducing a fluid through a fluid channel, wherein the fluid contains at least one reactant; A step of directing a light source adjacent to the fluid channel and emitting light into the fluid, The steps include positioning one or more sensors adjacent to the light source and configured to detect the light energy generated by the light source, and transmitting an electrical signal to a controller, A step of converting the electrical signal into a signal corresponding to the wavelength of the light energy or the color spectrum of the fluid, A step of comparing the aforementioned signal with a control signal, Methods that include...

93. The method according to claim 92, wherein the one or more sensors include one or more photodiodes.

94. The method according to claim 93, wherein one or more photodiodes are positioned adjacent to the light source and are configured to generate an electrical signal in accordance with the wavelength of the light energy generated by the at least one light source.

95. The method according to claim 92, wherein the reactant comprises a chemical reactant and / or a buffer.

96. The method according to claim 92, wherein the reactant includes a photoreactant.

97. The method according to claim 92, wherein the reaction product contains microorganisms.

98. The method according to claim 96, wherein the photoreactant interacts with the microorganism.

99. The method according to claim 97, wherein the microorganism is selected from viruses and / or bacteria.

100. The method according to claim 92, wherein the intensity of the light source is adjusted according to the signal.

101. The method according to claim 92, wherein one or more light sources are activated or deactivated in response to the signal.

102. The method according to claim 92, wherein the wavelength of the light source is adjusted according to the signal.

103. The method according to claim 92, wherein the flow rate of the fluid passing through the channel is adjusted according to the signal.

104. The method according to claim 92, wherein the ratio of the fluid to the reactant is adjusted according to the signal.

105. The method according to claim 92, wherein the light source is selected from a fluorescent light source, an LED light source, a narrowband wavelength light source, a peak UV-B wavelength, a peak UV-C wavelength, and a peak wavelength outside of UV-B and UV-C.

106. A method for measuring photochemical reactions, A step of establishing a photoreactor having a fluid channel configured to transfer fluid from an inlet to an outlet, wherein the fluid contains at least one reactant; A step of guiding light energy through the fluid, A step of positioning at least one sensor adjacent to the fluid channel and generating an electrical signal corresponding to the wavelength of the light energy or the color spectrum of the fluid, A step of converting the electrical signal into a sensor signal corresponding to the wavelength of the light energy or the color spectrum of the fluid, Methods that include...

107. The method according to claim 92, wherein the one or more sensors include one or more photodiodes.

108. The method according to claim 107, wherein one or more photodiodes are positioned adjacent to the light source and are configured to generate an electrical signal in accordance with the wavelength of the light energy generated by the at least one light source.

109. The method according to claim 92, wherein the reactant comprises a chemical reactant and / or a buffer.

110. The method according to claim 92, wherein the reactant includes a photoreactant.

111. The method according to claim 92, wherein the reaction product contains microorganisms.

112. The method according to claim 110, wherein the photoreactant interacts with the microorganism.

113. The method according to claim 111, wherein the microorganism is selected from viruses and / or bacteria.

114. The method according to claim 92, wherein the intensity of the light source is adjusted according to the signal.

115. The method according to claim 92, wherein one or more light sources are activated or deactivated in response to the signal.

116. The method according to claim 92, wherein the wavelength of the light source is adjusted according to the signal.

117. The method according to claim 92, wherein the flow rate of the fluid passing through the channel is adjusted according to the signal.

118. The method according to claim 92, wherein the ratio of the fluid to the reactant is adjusted according to the signal.

119. The method according to claim 92, wherein the light source is selected from a fluorescent light source, an LED light source, a narrowband wavelength light source, a peak UV-B wavelength, a peak UV-C wavelength, and a peak wavelength outside of UV-B and UV-C.

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