Sensors in disposable bioreactors status and trends

For better control of productivity and product quality, detailed monitoring of various parameters is required. Since disposable bioreactors become more and more important for biotechnological applications, adequate sensors for this type of reactor are necessary. The required properties of sensors used in disposable reactors differ from those of sensors for multiuse reactors. For example, sensors which are in direct contact with the medium must be inexpensive, but do not need a long life-time, since they can be used only once.This chapter gives an overview on the state of the art and future trends in the field of sensors suited for use in disposable bioreactors. The main focus here is on in situ sensors, which can be based on optical, semiconductor and ultrasonic technologies, but current concepts for disposable sampling units are also reviewed.