Real-time bioprocess monitoring: Part I: In situ sensors

In the past decades, biotechnology has exploded to a cutting edge industry and its economical significance is exponentially growing. Bioprocess efficiency, productivity and optimization are essential. Efficient process control allows quality of the product to be maintained, but also reduces costs, increases profit, and reduces pollution of the environment. Real-time process monitoring is fundamental for good process control. Rapid development of bioprocess applications led to intensive search for new sensors able to provide real-time information about the process. Real-time sensors may operate in an in situ (in-line) and ex situ on-line set-up. This work reviews the approaches that have been used for bioprocess monitoring and is divided in two parts. First part deals with in situ methods with sensors placed inside the reactor and in direct contact with bulk medium. Second part discusses sample handling techniques (e.g. FIA and SIA) that allow sample withdrawal from the reactor and automatic handling, transport to the sensor, and ex situ, on-line monitoring.