Non-Invasive Optical Sensor Based Approaches for Monitoring Virus Culture to Minimize BSL3 Laboratory Entry

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Biotechnology
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• High-titer infectious virus cultures are essential for vaccine and diagnostic development.
• Current cell culture monitoring in Bio-Safety Level-3 (BSL3) laboratories requires extensive use of disposable personal protective equipment (PPE), incurring significant recurring costs and labor.
• Non-invasive monitoring methods could reduce costs and disruptions in BSL3 environments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of non-invasive optical oxygen sensors for remote monitoring of high-titer infectious virus cultures.
• To assess the potential of this technology to reduce costs and laboratory disruptions in BSL3 settings.

Main Methods:

• Aseptically placed optical oxygen sensors were used to remotely monitor cell cultures of Human Immunodeficiency Virus-1 (HIV-1) and Herpes Simplex Virus-2 (HSV-2).
• The sensors facilitated monitoring of cell and virus propagation and culture media replacement.
• The number of BSL3 laboratory entries was compared between sensor-guided and traditional methods.

Main Results:

• Optical oxygen sensors enabled effective remote monitoring of high-titer HIV-1 and HSV-2 cultures.
• The use of sensors streamlined culture media replacement and virus load monitoring.
• The number of required visits to the BSL3 laboratory was reduced by 50% (from ten to five visits).

Conclusions:

• Non-invasive optical oxygen sensors offer a promising, cost-effective alternative for monitoring infectious virus cultures in BSL3 laboratories.
• This approach significantly reduces the need for PPE and minimizes laboratory disruptions.
• Remote monitoring with optical sensors enhances efficiency and safety in viral culture propagation.