Cells with intact plasma membranes in a fermenter can be considered to act as tiny capacitors under the influence of an electric field.

The non-conducting nature of the plasma membrane allows a build up of charge. The resulting capacitance can be measured: it is dependant upon the cell type and is directly proportional to the membrane bound volume of these viable cells.

Aber’s technology converts capacitance into a live biomass reading, typically cells/ml or g/l. However, other units can be derived from the raw capacitance measurements; these may be more relevant to the chosen application.

FUTURA also measures the Conductivity of the medium, in millisiemens per centimetre (mS/cm). Conductivity is not used to measure biomass but is indicative of the production or utilisation of ions by the cell suspension, e.g. pH control and other fermentation processes.

The OPTURA range from ABER Instruments provides rapid and accurate insights into your biological processes using near-infrared (NIR) bio-reflectance measurements. This innovative technology allows for effective monitoring of total cell density in various applications.

How it Works

OPTURA sensors emit an NIR laser into the cell culture. Cells within the media reflect the laser back to the sensor, and the amount of reflectance correlates directly with the biomass concentration. The system's specific wavelength selection creates a small measurement field, reducing interference from objects within the vessel.

OPTURA Products

The OPTURA range currently includes two product formats designed to meet various needs:

• OPTURAPALM - A handheld device for convenient, contact-less biomass measurements. It allows for quick, on-the-spot readings in various vessel types.
• OPTURASPY - A small, contactless sensor that uses an adhesive vessel adaptor for real-time monitoring. Its compact size and adaptability make it suitable for diverse vessel types.