Single-Use Bioreactor Sensor Window Membrane
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bioreactors require direct physical contact with dissolved oxygen sensors for measurement, which complicates sterilization, calibration, and maintenance, especially in single-use applications where traditional insertion methods are not feasible.
Innovation Solution
A bioreactor design featuring a sensor window membrane with high oxygen permeability, integrated into the plastic wall, allowing for non-invasive oxygen measurement without direct contact, enabling easy sterilization, calibration, and removal without interrupting the process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If direct physical contact between sensor and bioreactor is used for dissolved oxygen measurement, then measurement accuracy is improved, but sterilization complexity and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two separate components: a reusable dissolved oxygen sensor and a disposable bioreactor with an integrated sensor window membrane. The sensor remains outside the bioreactor, eliminating the need to sterilize the sensor assembly while maintaining measurement capability through the membrane interface.
Solution Approach 2:
A sensor window membrane with high oxygen permeability serves as an intermediary between the sensor and the bioreactor contents. This membrane allows oxygen diffusion for accurate measurement while preventing direct contact between the sensor and the biological specimen, simplifying sterilization procedures.
2Measurement precision
If traditional sensor insertion methods are used, then dissolved oxygen measurement is achieved, but maintenance difficulty and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the sensor from the bioreactor and integrating a sensor window membrane into the bioreactor wall, the system allows the sensor to be easily removed, cleaned, and recalibrated without dealing with complex insertion mechanisms or sterilization requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor window membrane acts as a stable, reusable interface that remains with the disposable bioreactor while the sensor is reused. This eliminates the need to sterilize or maintain the sensor in contact with biological materials, greatly simplifying maintenance procedures.
3Ease of operation
If sensor is integrated into bioreactor wall, then operational convenience is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of making the entire bioreactor complex, only a localized sensor window membrane with high oxygen permeability is integrated into the bioreactor wall. This localized feature provides the necessary functionality without requiring complex manufacturing processes for the entire device.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor window membrane is made from composite materials or coatings (such as PTFE or other oxygen-permeable materials) applied to the bioreactor wall. This allows integration of specialized functionality into a standard plastic bioreactor using established coating or lamination techniques.
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
Facilitates efficient and sterile measurement of dissolved oxygen in single-use bioreactors, allowing for seamless integration, sterilization, and calibration without disrupting the bioreaction process, enhancing operational convenience and accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
A sensor window membrane (70) is disposed at the aperture and having a high permeability to oxygen diffusion therethrough
Implementation Method 2
The sensor window membrane (70) forms a water-tight seal with the membrane holder (60)
Data Source
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AI summary
A dissolved oxygen sensor for use with a single use-bioreactor/container is provided. The bioreaction vessel includes a plastic wall defining a bioreaction chamber therein, and having an aperture therethrough. A membrane holder is attached to an inner surface of the plastic wall. The membrane holder has a cylindrical portion passing through the aperture. A sensor window membrane is coupled to the membrane holder proximate the aperture. The sensor window membrane has a high oxygen permeability, but forms a water-tight seal with the membrane holder.