Abstract: A bioprocessing system for protein manufacturing is provided that is compact, integrated and suited for on-demand production and delivery of therapeutic proteins to patients. The system can also be used for efficient on-demand production of any type of protein.

Abstract: A non-invasive gas analyte sensing and monitoring system and method is provided that is particularly applicable to transcutaneous monitoring of arterial blood gases in a mammal. The system and method relies on diffusion of the analyte to be measured into a diffusion chamber and remote sensing of the analyte in the diffusion chamber using optical chemical sensors and associated optoelectronics.

Abstract: Systems and methods for determining an in vivo concentration of a small molecule substance of interest is provided that takes advantage of the semi-permeable nature of skin, which allows small molecules to passively diffuse through the skin and onto the skin surface. The systems and methods of the present invention allow for the collection of these small molecules that have passively diffused through the skin without skin disruption or breaking of the skin. The systems and methods of the present invention are noninvasive, painless and safe even for delicate newborns, and are particularly suited for the determination of blood glucose in newborns and infants in a noninvasive manner.

Abstract: A wireless sensor system is provided that utilizes reliable, small, inexpensive and low power-consuming sensor nodes for monitoring environmental parameters that can communicate through wireless transmitters to a base station. The sensor nodes preferably incorporate anti-biofouling protection, so as to withstand continuous field deployment in streams and/or riparian areas.

Abstract: A noninvasive remote parameter sensor and sensing method is provided that is particularly suited for the remote monitoring of skin temperature. The sensor and sensing method utilize luminescence-based sensors that are non-toxic and non-irritating to the skin. The sensor preferably utilizes one or more types of fluorophores that are embedded in a soft hydrogel. The sensor is illuminated with excitation light, and temperature is monitored by detecting and analyzing the emission light from the fluorophores. Because a soft hydrogel is used, the sensor can be gently wiped off the skin at the conclusion of temperature measurements.

Abstract: A remote parameter sensing system is provide that includes a gel sensor, a light source, a detector and a controller 140. The gel sensor is in contact with a surface where the parameter is to be measured, and is preferably a gel that is embedded with a chemical that emits light 160 (via, for example, fluorescence) when it is excited by excitation light from the light source at an appropriate excitation frequency. The chemical properties of the gel sensor are such that at least one characteristic of the emission light (such as, for example, emission intensity) varies as a function of variations in the parameter being measured. The system is particularly suited for use as remote body temperature sensing system in incubators and radiant warmers for infant and neonatal care.

Abstract: A system and method for measuring at least one bioprocess parameter utilizes a barrier that separates an external sensor from a culture medium. The barrier allows analytes to diffuse in and out of the culture vessel, thereby allowing the bioprocess parameter to be measured non-invasively by the external sensor.

Abstract: A low cost sensing system that can measure both chlorophyll concentration and turbidity is provided. The system is an optical system that utilizes at least three light sensors for measuring side-scattered and forward scattered light, as well as fluorescence. The system is able to take optical density measurements, steady state fluorescence measurements and maximum fluorescence measurements, and can be configured for wireless control and data transmission. The system may also be housed in one or more fluidtight housings so as to make it submersible.

Abstract: A wireless sensor system is provided that utilizes reliable, small, inexpensive and low power-consuming sensor nodes for monitoring environmental parameters that can communicate through wireless transmitters to a base station. The sensor nodes preferably incorporate anti-biofouling protection, so as to withstand continuous field deployment in streams and/or riparian areas.

Abstract: A system and method for measuring and controlling oxygen in a culture vessel utilizes a non-invasive oxygen sensor and an agitator. A controller controls the agitator based on feedback supplied by the oxygen sensor. The agitator is used to increase oxygen transport into the liquid phase thereby raising the level of oxygen in the culture medium. The agitator driven equilibration results in precise control of the culture medium oxygen.

Abstract: A fluorescence based sensor system that provides improved signal-to-noise over prior systems is provided. The system includes a fluorescence based sensing medium that is contained a recessed cavity with reflective sides that allow for more uniform excitation of the fluorescence based sensing medium by the excitation light.

Abstract: A protein sensing molecule is capable of binding an analyte in a sample. The protein sensing molecule includes a first detectable quality that changes in a concentration dependent manner when the protein sensing molecule is bound to the analyte. The protein sensing molecule also includes a second detectable quality that does not undergo substantial change when the protein sensing molecule is bound to the analyte. The protein sensing molecule may be used in methods for characterizing samples and may also be used in sensors.

Abstract: A protein sensing molecule is capable of binding an analyte in a sample. The protein sensing molecule includes a first detectable quality that changes in a concentration dependent manner when the protein sensing molecule is bound to the analyte. The protein sensing molecule also includes a second detectable quality that does not undergo substantial change when the protein sensing molecule is bound to the analyte. The protein sensing molecule may be used in methods for characterizing samples and may also be used in sensors.

Abstract: The present invention provides ratiometric fluorescent pH sensors for non-invasive, continuous monitoring of pH in such applications as fermentation processes. The ratiometric fluorescent pH sensors comprise a fluorescent dye that exhibits a shift in excitation wavelength with a corresponding shift in pH in the local environment of said fluorescent dye. Ratiometric measurements of the emission intensities at dual excitation maxima correlate to pH. Also provided is a fluorescent dye 6-methacryloyl-8-hydroxy-1,3-pyrene disulfonic acid (MA-HPDS). Further provided are systems and methods to non-invasively and continuously monitor pH.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for determining fluorescence lifetime of a fluorophor or an optical sensor using frequency domain gated detection. The method comprises the steps of exciting the fluorophor with frequency modulated light from a pulsed light source, gating a photodetector during excitation of the fluorophore, detecting light emitted from the fluorophor with the photodetector, where the emission light exhibits a phase shift in frequency from that of the excitation light, converting the detected excitation light to an amplified electric signal, and evaluating the amplified electric signal as a measure of fluorescence lifetime of the fluorophor. Also provided is a device with which to use the methods disclosed herein.

Abstract: The inventive bioprocessing system (and technique) relies on non-invasive optical chemical sensing technology wherein an optical excitation source excites an optical chemical sensor. The optical chemical sensor then emits luminescence or absorbs light which is measured by a detector. The luminescence emitted from the chemical sensor or the amount of light absorbed by the chemical sensor is related to the concentration of an analyte, such as oxygen. If the luminescence emitted changes, or if the amount of light absorbed changes, then the concentration of the analyte has changed. Using such a system to measure and adjust multiple parameters at one time allows one to efficiently and cost-effectively determine optimal conditions for a given cell type and/or cell environment, for example.

Abstract: The present invention provides ratiometric fluorescent pH sensors for non-invasive, continuous monitoring of pH in such applications as fermentation processes. The ratiometric fluorescent pH sensors comprise a fluorescent dye that exhibits a shift in excitation wavelength with a corresponding shift in pH in the local environment of said fluorescent dye. Ratiometric measurements of the emission intensities at dual excitation maxima correlate to pH. Also provided is a fluorescent dye 6-methacryloyl-8-hydroxy-1,3-pyrene disulfonic acid (MA-HPDS). Further provided are systems and methods to non-invasively and continuously monitor pH.

Abstract: The inventive bioprocessing system (and technique) relies on non-invasive optical chemical sensing technology wherein an optical excitation source excites an optical chemical sensor. The optical chemical sensor then emits luminescence or absorbs light which is measured by a detector. The luminescence emitted from the chemical sensor or the amount of light absorbed by the chemical sensor is related to the concentration of an analyte, such as oxygen. If the luminescence emitted changes, or if the amount of light absorbed changes, then the concentration of the analyte has changed. Using such a system to measure and adjust multiple parameters at one time allows one to efficiently and cost-effectively determine optimal conditions for a given cell type and/or cell environment, for example.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a transition metal-ligand complex that shows changes in its luminescence lifetime characteristic and/or luminescence intensity as a function of the polarity and/or hydrogen bonding properties of its environment, and a sensor, probe, system and method based on the complex for detecting the presence, amount or concentration of a polar solvent in a medium.

Abstract: The inventive bioprocessing system (and technique) relies on non-invasive optical chemical sensing technology wherein an optical excitation source excites an optical chemical sensor. The optical chemical sensor then emits luminescence or absorbs light which is measured by a detector. The luminescence emitted from the chemical sensor or the amount of light absorbed by the chemical sensor is related to the concentration of an analyte, such as oxygen. If the luminescence emitted changes, or if the amount of light absorbed changes, then the concentration of the analyte has changed. Using such a system to measure and adjust multiple parameters at one time allows one to efficiently and cost-effectively determine optimal conditions for a given cell type and/or cell environment, for example.