Bioreactor Sampling Tube and Glucose Meter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional bioreactor sampling methods are manual, resulting in sample waste and require flushing, while existing automated systems often have stationary sampling points, and glucose monitoring is costly and dependent on medium calibration.
Innovation Solution
An automated bioreactor sampling system with a movable sampling tube and positive displacement pump that collects samples aseptically without waste, combined with a low-cost, handheld glucose monitoring system using a blood glucose meter for accurate glucose concentration measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If manual sampling methods are used, then operation flexibility is maintained, but sample waste occurs and additional flushing steps are required
Solution Approach 1:
The sampling system uses a movable sampling tube that automatically returns to the bioreactor vessel, enabling the system to clear residual sample itself without requiring external flushing operations. The tube retracts and uses its own motion to push remaining sample back into the vessel.
Solution Approach 2:
The sampling tube transitions from a stationary configuration to a movable one, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position. The tube can extend into the vessel for sampling and then retract automatically, changing its state from static to dynamic to eliminate the need for flushing.
2Loss of substance
If stationary sampling points are used, then device simplicity is maintained, but residual sample remains in the sampling line
Solution Approach 1:
The sampling tube is designed to move between extended and retracted positions. This dynamic capability allows the tube to clear residual sample by retracting and using its own motion to push the sample back into the vessel, eliminating dead volume without complex additional components.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable sampling tube serves multiple functions: it extends for sample collection, retracts to clear residual sample, and returns to its initial position. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate flushing mechanisms or additional components.
3Measurement precision
If conventional enzymatic glucose analyzers are used, then measurement accuracy is achieved, but cost and calibration complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses disposable test strips with embedded glucose sensors instead of expensive, reusable enzymatic analyzers. Each strip is single-use, eliminating the need for costly calibration procedures and medium-specific adjustments while maintaining adequate measurement accuracy for bioprocess monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adapts the principle of blood glucose monitoring (designed for human blood) and applies it to bioprocess monitoring. By using the same simple, calibrated-free test strip technology for both applications, it eliminates the need for complex medium-specific calibration while achieving sufficient measurement precision.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables precise, waste-free sampling and real-time, cost-effective glucose monitoring, improving bioprocess control without the need for medium-specific calibration.
Implementation Method 1
a positive displacement pump coupled with the flexible tubing to transport the sample fluid from inside of the bioreactor vessel through the sampling tube, flexible tubing and discharging end to a designated sample collecting container
Implementation Method 2
a glucose monitoring assembly comprising a handheld blood glucose meter coupled with a test strip for analyzing and displaying the glucose concentration of the sample fluid
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is an improved automatic sampling and biochemical monitoring system for a microbial or cell culture or a biochemical reaction in a bioreactor.