Cartesian Raman Probe Multiplexing for Multi-Bioreactor Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
The integration of a Raman probe into multiple bioreactors is expensive and time-consuming, and the manual or automated extraction of samples for analysis introduces errors due to rinsing processes and potential contamination.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a Cartesian robot and a Raman probe with a fiber optical cable, capable of moving along orthogonal axes, performs Raman analysis on multiple bioreactors by inserting the probe into barbs disposed in each bioreactor port, allowing for automated and efficient analysis without manual rinsing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a Raman probe is integrated into each bioreactor, then measurement reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single Raman probe is designed to serve multiple bioreactors through automated positioning, eliminating the need for individual probes in each bioreactor. The probe can be moved between different bioreactors and inserted into barbs at different ports, making one probe universal for multiple measurement locations.
Solution Approach 2:
Barbs with optical windows are introduced as intermediary components that facilitate optical access to each bioreactor without requiring direct probe integration. The barbs act as mediators that enable the external Raman probe to measure through the bioreactor port while maintaining measurement reliability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If samples are extracted for Raman analysis, then measurement flexibility is improved, but time consumption and error risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables continuous in-situ measurements without interrupting the bioreactor operation for sample extraction. The Raman probe can continuously monitor bioreactor contents through the barbs, eliminating idle time between sample extraction and measurement while maintaining measurement flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement function is extracted from the bioreactor interior by using external barbs with optical windows. This allows the Raman probe to perform measurements outside the bioreactor without disrupting the internal environment, eliminating the need for sample extraction while preserving measurement flexibility.
3Measurement precision
If manual rinsing is performed between analyses, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The barbs are designed to be disposable and pre-sterilized, eliminating the need for manual rinsing operations. Each barb is used once and then discarded, providing self-service sterility assurance without requiring time-consuming rinsing steps between measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
Disposable barbs replace reusable components that require rinsing. Each barb is inexpensive and single-use, eliminating the productivity loss from rinsing while maintaining measurement precision through guaranteed sterility. The low cost of disposable barbs makes this economically viable.
4Quantity of substance
If a single Raman probe is used for multiple bioreactors, then cost is reduced, but operation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Manual operations for probe handling and positioning are replaced by an automated robotic system. The robot automatically positions the Raman probe, inserts it into the appropriate barb, and retrieves it after measurement, eliminating manual intervention complexity while reducing the number of probes needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static individual probe integration to dynamic shared probe usage. The Raman probe dynamically moves between different bioreactors and barbs under robotic control, enabling single probe usage across multiple bioreactors while the automation manages the operational complexity.
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 efficient, automated Raman analysis of multiple bioreactors with reduced error and contamination, simplifying the process and reducing the need for manual intervention.
Implementation Method 1
a Raman probe may be used to determine, with specificity, the contents of the bioreactor
Implementation Method 2
an optical analyzer having an optical analyzer head, wherein the optical analyzer is connected with the optical analyzer head via a fiber optical cable
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of performing an optical analysis on multiple vessels using a single optical analysis device includes placing on and in each vessel a protective sheath that will accept a probe head of the optical analysis device. The probe head may be easily inserted into and removed from the protective sheath. A Cartesian robot may move the probe head from vessel to vessel to perform the analyses. The system for the optical analysis include at least two vessels, an optical analyzer, and a Cartesian robot.