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 measurement device is disclosed, embodiments of which are adapted to withstand, detect, and record detection of heat cycle events, including autoclave cycles. Embodiments of the measurement device comprise a sensor for measuring a characteristic of a medium and a heat cycle detection unit. Embodiments of the heat cycle detection unit comprise a temperature or atmospheric pressure responsive element, a detection module, data interface, and data memory. In one disclosed embodiment, the temperature or pressure responsive element is configured to respond to a characteristic of a heat cycle event while the heat cycle detection unit is off. In another disclosed embodiment, the detection module is configured to automatically power off the heat cycle detection unit in response to detecting an autoclave cycle. Methods of using the devices are also disclosed.

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 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: 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: 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 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: A flowing junction reference electrode comprises a microfluidic liquid junction member situated between a pressurized reference electrolyte solution and a sample solution. The liquid junction member has an array of nanochannels spanning the member and physically connecting the electrolyte and the sample. The number of nanochannels in the array can be between 10 and 108. Preferably, the nanochannels are substantially straight and parallel to one another. The nanochannels can be coated to facilitate the flow of the electrolyte solution through the junction member. The nanochannels can have widths of between 1 and 500 nanometers, and the width of any one nanochannel is substantially equal to the width of any other nanochannel. The member can be manufactured out a polymer such as polycarbonate and polyimide, and may also be made of silicon, glass, or ceramic. In one embodiment, the reference electrode includes means for pressurizing the electrolyte solution.

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 flowing junction reference electrode exhibiting heretofore unattainable potentiometric characteristics is described, comprising a microfluidic liquid junction member that is situated between a reference electrolyte solution and a sample solution. This microfluidic liquid junction member has an array of nanochannels spanning the member and physically connecting the reference electrolyte solution and a sample solution, but while the electrolyte solution flows through the array of nanochannels and into the sample solution at a linear velocity, the sample solution does not substantially enter the array of nanochannels via the mechanisms of diffusion, migration, convection or other known mechanisms. The number of nanochannels in the array is preferably between approximately 108 and approximately 100. Also preferably, the nanochannels are substantially straight and are substantially parallel to one another; such an array of nanochannels is herein described as anisotropic.

Abstract: A flowing junction reference electrode comprises a microfluidic liquid junction member situated between a pressurized reference electrolyte solution and a sample solution. This liquid junction member has an array of nanochannels spanning the member and physically connecting the electrolyte and the sample. While the electrolyte flows through the nanochannels and into the sample, the sample does not substantially enter the nanochannels via diffusion, migration, convection or other mechanisms. The number of nanochannels in the array can be between 10 and 108. Preferably, the nanochannels are substantially straight and parallel to one another. The nanochannels can have widths of between 1 and 500 nanometers, and the width of any one nanochannel is substantially equal to the width of any other nanochannel. The member can be manufactured out a polymer such as polycarbonate and polyimide, and may also be made of silicon, glass, or ceramic.

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 flowing junction reference electrode comprises a microfluidic liquid junction member situated between a pressurized reference electrolyte solution and a sample solution. The liquid junction member has an array of nanochannels spanning the member and physically connecting the electrolyte and the sample. The number of nanochannels in the array can be between 10 and 108. Preferably, the nanochannels are substantially straight and parallel to one another. The nanochannels can be coated to facilitate the flow of the electrolyte solution through the junction member. The nanochannels can have widths of between 1 and 500 nanometers, and the width of any one nanochannel is substantially equal to the width of any other nanochannel. The member can be manufactured out a polymer such as polycarbonate and polyimide, and may also be made of silicon, glass, or ceramic. In one embodiment, the reference electrode includes means for pressurizing the electrolyte solution.

Abstract: A flowing junction reference electrode comprises a microfluidic liquid junction member situated between a pressurized reference electrolyte solution and a sample solution. This liquid junction member has an array of nanochannels spanning the member and physically connecting the electrolyte and the sample. While the electrolyte flows through the nanochannels and into the sample, the sample does not substantially enter the nanochannels via diffusion, migration, convection or other mechanisms. The number of nanochannels in the array can be between 10 and 108. Preferably, the nanochannels are substantially straight and parallel to one another. The nanochannels can have widths of between 1 and 500 nanometers, and the width of any one nanochannel is substantially equal to the width of any other nanochannel. The member can be manufactured out a polymer such as polycarbonate and polyimide, and may also be made of silicon, glass, or ceramic.

Abstract: A flowing junction reference electrode exhibiting heretofore unattainable potentiometric characteristics is described, comprising a microfluidic liquid junction member that is situated between a reference electrolyte solution and a sample solution. This microfluidic liquid junction member has an array of nanochannels spanning the member and physically connecting the reference electrolyte solution and a sample solution, but while the electrolyte solution flows through the array of nanochannels and into the sample solution at a linear velocity, the sample solution does not substantially enter the array of nanochannels via the mechanisms of diffusion, migration, convection or other known mechanisms. The number of nanochannels in the array is preferably between approximately 108 and approximately 100. Also preferably, the nanochannels are substantially straight and are substantially parallel to one another; such an array of nanochannels is herein described as anisotropic.

Abstract: A flowing junction reference electrode exhibiting heretofore unattainable potentiometric characteristics is described, comprising a microfluidic liquid junction member that is situated between a reference electrolyte solution and a sample solution. This microfluidic liquid junction member has an array of nanochannels spanning the member and physically connecting the reference electrolyte solution and a sample solution, but while the electrolyte solution flows through the array of nanochannels and into the sample solution at a linear velocity, the sample solution does not substantially enter the array of nanochannels via the mechanisms of diffusion, migration, convection or other known mechanisms. The number of nanochannels in the array is preferably between approximately 108 and approximately 100. Also preferably, the nanochannels are substantially straight and are substantially parallel to one another; such an array of nanochannels is herein described as anisotropic.

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.