Abstract: Systems and methods for automatically controlling conditions of a process are disclosed. In one example, a controller is programmed with a sequence of steps and parameters required to carry out a bioreactor process. A sensor system interacts with the bioreactor to receive information related to a condition of the bioreactor and/or receive a sample from the bioreactor, which it analyzes. The sensor system sends data signals related to the information and/or the sample to a controller, which determines a control signal based on the received information. The controller sends the control signal to the sensor system which, based on the control signal, performs an action that affects a condition of the bioreactor or affects the sensor system itself.

Abstract: Systems and methods for automatically controlling conditions of a process are disclosed. In one example, a controller is programmed with a sequence of steps and parameters required to carry out a bioreactor process. The controller receives information related to a condition of the process over a first communication network, determines a control signal based on the received information and the programmed process, and sends the control signal over a second communication network to a benchtop utility tower. In one example, the utility tower can include transmitters for temperature, pH, and dissolved oxygen that send information related to a condition of the process to the controller over the first communication network, and an agitation system, a gas control system, a temperature control system and a pump control system that perform a control action based on the control signal affecting the process condition.

Abstract: Systems and methods for automatically controlling conditions of a process are disclosed. In one example, a controller is programmed with a sequence of steps and parameters required to carry out a bioreactor process. The controller receives information related to a condition of the process over a first communication network, determines a control signal based on the received information and the programmed process, and sends the control signal over a second communication network to a benchtop utility tower. In one example, the utility tower can include transmitters for temperature, pH, and dissolved oxygen that send information related to a condition of the process to the controller over the first communication network, and an agitation system, a gas control system, a temperature control system and a pump control system that perform a control action based on the control signal affecting the process condition.

Abstract: Devices and methods for exposing a sensor to a cell culture or microbial population are disclosed. In one embodiment, a sensor well for use with a bioreactor vessel includes a sheath; a sensing element disposed on or in a portion of the sheath; a signal transmitter disposed within at least a portion of the sheath and configured to provide signals to and/or receive signals from the sensing element and provide signals to and/or receive signals from a sensor controller; a connector configured to attach the sensor well to a portion of a bioreactor vessel, the connector including an aperture through which the sheath can be deployed into the bioreactor vessel; and a collapsible bellows which houses the sheath when in an undeployed position, the bellows coupled to one end of the sheath, the bellows, the connector, and the sheath configured to form at least a portion of a hermetically sealable and sterilizable enclosure.

Abstract: Systems and methods for automatically controlling conditions of a process are disclosed. In one example, a controller is programmed with a sequence of steps and parameters required to carry out a bioreactor process. A sensor system interacts with the bioreactor to receive information related to a condition of the bioreactor and/or receive a sample from the bioreactor, which it analyzes. The sensor system sends data signals related to the information and/or the sample to a controller, which determines a control signal based on the received information. The controller sends the control signal to the sensor system which, based on the control signal, performs an action that affects a condition of the bioreactor or affects the sensor system itself.

Abstract: A bioreactor system (10) is provided for controlling temperature of bioreactor media during processing. The system (10) includes a flexible bag (102) having an inner wall (104) defining an inner volume (105) for holding the cell culture media and an outer wall (106) surrounding at least a portion of the inner wall (104). Together, the inner wall (104) and the outer wall (106) form a jacket volume (107) which can hold a temperature control fluid.

Abstract: Flexible, sterilizable, disposable bioreactors are provided with integrated fluidic drive units that agitate media inside the bioreactor without introducing contamination. The bioreactor system (20) includes a flexible bag (202) with a fluid activated drive unit (204) in sealed cooperation with the bag (202).

Abstract: Systems and methods for automatically controlling conditions of a process are disclosed. In one example, a controller is programmed with a sequence of steps and parameters required to carry out a bioreactor process. A sensor system interacts with the bioreactor to receive information related to a condition of the bioreactor and/or receive a sample from the bioreactor, which it analyzes. The sensor system sends data signals related to the information and/or the sample to a controller, which determines a control signal based on the received information. The controller sends the control signal to the sensor system which, based on the control signal, performs an action that affects a condition of the bioreactor or affects the sensor system itself.

Abstract: Systems and methods for automatically controlling conditions of a process are disclosed. In one example, a controller is programmed with a sequence of steps and parameters required to carry out a bioreactor process. The controller receives information related to a condition of the process over a first communication network, determines a control signal based on the received information and the programmed process, and sends the control signal over a second communication network to a benchtop utility tower. In one example, the utility tower can include transmitters for temperature, pH, and dissolved oxygen that send information related to a condition of the process to the controller over the first communication network, and an agitation system, a gas control system, a temperature control system and a pump control system that perform a control action based on the control signal affecting the process condition.

Abstract: A flowing junction reference electrode comprising a liquid junction member matched with a filter. The junction member and the filter are situated between a reference electrolyte solution and a sample solution. An array of nanochannels spans the junction member and provides fluid communication between the electrolyte solution and the sample solution. The filter is configured to allow a greater flux of electrolyte than that associated with the junction member. Preferably, the number of pores is greater than the number of nanochannels. The filter is preferably configured to have pores with an inner diameter that is the same or less than the inner diameter of the nanochannels. In some embodiment, the resistance of the filter is made lower relative to the resistance of the junction member by selecting suitable length, number, and inner diameter size for the pores of the filter relative to the nanochannels of the junction member.

Abstract: A pH sensor includes a unitary cylindrical semi-porous plug which is formed with a central bore and is also formed with a cavity near a first end of the plug. A pH electrode is positioned in the central bore and extends outwardly from the second end of the plug for contacting a specimen fluid, and a reference electrode is positioned in the cavity. The plug is saturated with an electrolyte to establish electrochemical conductivity between the reference electrode and specimen fluid. To prevent ions from the specimen fluid from migrating through the plug and contaminating the reference electrode, a plurality of notches are radially machined part way through the plug and filled with ion-impermeable epoxy. The notches are preferably oriented at oblique angles relative to the axis of the plug to form "dead end" ion traps that will immobilize and impede a substantial proportion of contaminating ions, thus prolonging the life of the electrode.

Abstract: A reference electrode, optionally in combination with a measuring electrode to form a combination electrode, is disclosed in which the salt bridge comprises anionic and cationic ion exchange polymer. This polymer may be a diaphragm forming the liquid junction structure of the reference electrode. Polymer is preferably a mixture of anionic and cationic ion exchange polymer which may be either water insoluble or water soluble and is preferably converted to a form which binds equitransferent ions. When the polymer is substantially insoluble, a water-soluble thickener polymer may be incorporated in the polymer composition. Methods of measuring pH using the electrodes of the invention are also disclosed, particularly in high purity deionized water.