Abstract

Through Use of an On-Line Fiber Detector to Determine the Biomass of a Filamentous Biocatalyst

Author(s): Klaseen Shah

In bioprocess engineering, it’s critical to keep an eye on all the important process parameters. On-line temperature, pH, stirring control, and data logging are just a few of the parameters for which sensors have been developed in the past. However, further development is required for biomass monitoring. The ability to measure the biomass of animal and insect cells is a limitation of every current non-invasive technology, including Near Infra-Red. Still, sample removal from the vessel is required for biomass monitoring of industrial bioprocesses containing filamentous microorganisms, which could compromise sterility. The application of a non-invasive optical sensor in the on-line monitoring of the biomass of the filamentous microorganism Streptomyces coelicolor A3 has been the primary focus of this research (2).The results successfully demonstrate that the optical sensor is sensitive in identifying various levels of biomass when compared to data from sensors measuring dissolved oxygen levels and off gas evolution. The raw output data from the biomass monitor were then directly compared to that data. As a result, the straightforward output data can be used to provide real-time information on the biomass levels of filamentous microorganisms, making it an extremely useful tool in bioprocess engineering.