Microsensor in Microbioreactors: Full Bioprocess Characterization in a Novel Capillary-Wave Microbioreactor.

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology
• Microfluidics
• Bioprocess Engineering

Background:

• Microbioreactors (MBRs) offer advantages in automation and resource saving for cell cultivation.
• Small-volume MBRs (<10 µL) face challenges with integrated process monitoring due to space and sensor limitations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel capillary-wave microbioreactor (cwMBR) with integrated sensors for microscale bioprocess monitoring.
• To address the lack of real-time process information in existing small-volume MBRs.

Main Methods:

• A 7 µL cwMBR was engineered with integrated optical sensors for biomass (absorbance), pH, dissolved oxygen (DO), and glucose concentration.
• A novel glucose sensor utilizing glucose oxidase (GOx) and oxygen measurement was developed.
• Escherichia coli batch cultivation was performed and monitored over 8 hours.

Main Results:

• The cwMBR successfully integrated sensors for simultaneous measurement of key bioprocess parameters.
• Real-time monitoring of biomass, pH, DO, and glucose concentration was achieved in a 7 µL volume.
• Characterization of an 8-hour Escherichia coli batch cultivation demonstrated the cwMBR's capability.

Conclusions:

• The novel cwMBR with integrated optical sensors overcomes limitations of previous small-scale MBRs.
• This technology enables comprehensive monitoring and characterization of microscale bioprocesses.
• The cwMBR holds potential for diverse applications including cell-based assays, screening, and bioprocess development.