Comparison of different biosensor systems suitable for bioprocess monitoring

To achieve effective bioprocess monitoring, sensing systems are required which are suitable for an on-line determination of substrates, inhibitors, nutrients or products. Such devices may utilise biochemical principles, i.e. the specific interaction of biochemical receptors with their surroundings. They can be constructed either as in situ sensors or as flow-through sensors connected to the process via sampling devices. Hence, characteristic features of an in situ glucose electrode are described, e.g. analytical range, sensitivity and stability. The sensor was based on mediated electron transfer from the enzyme glucose oxidase to the graphite electrode, the mediators being tetrathiafulvalene (TTF) or dimethylferrocene (DMF). Additionally, various flow injection analysis (FIA) systems based on oxidases, which were immobilised either on controlled pore glass or in a membrane, were characterised with respect to analytical ranges and sensitivities and applied to glucose, lactate and glutamate determinations in off-line samples taken from an animal cell cultivation.