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Biological material, especially cellular suspensions (bacteria, yeasts, plant/animal cells or even protozoa) carry on the business of life. Foremost in this is gas exchange, usually in terms of respiration of one form or another. Suspensions generally utilise or excrete gaseous compounds in solution in the surrounding aqueous phase. In an efficient culture system this leads to further interaction with the gaseous headspace, where additions or subtractions cause pressure changes. High sensitivity measurement of pressure reflects the gas exchanges taking place and provides a means of monitoring biological activity. In turn the biological activity can escalate representing growth (increased numbers) or provide an indicator of cellular health.

CYTOMAIA uses a culture vessel which operates as a totally closed system, with biological material suspended in a culture medium plus a gaseous headspace over the liquid phase. A precise, robust pressure sensor is linked to the culture headspace via a flexible transfer diaphragm. This is completely non-invasive and yet accurately follows extremely small increases or decreases in pressure. In effect the activity of the biological suspension is translated into pressure readings, the sensor converts these to electrical signals which are digitised and further processed by a microprocessor. In addition to logging values over time the chip constantly applies an algorithm to assess whether or not significant events are taking place.

Associated with the culture vessels is a self-contained instrument which maintains appropriate temperatures, extremely effective mixing and optimum growth/gas exchange conditions. In addition the status of the culture is constantly displayed and can be forwarded to a computer for additional interpretation. Cytomaia serves to monitor the life processes of the biological system.

CYTOMAIA has application in a broad range of situations where:

Rapid detection of microbial contamination is beneficial
Monitoring of metabolic activity is a useful measure of performance.
Accurate monitoring of microbial activity can be converted into enhanced process control through feedback loops to improve efficiency
Speed, cost, simplicity of test are key factors, also operation by relatively untrained staff.
“Near process” testing and control, on-site will improve efficiency.
Monitoring of upstream additions to processes and prevention of possible contamination of valuable microbial systems by inhibitors (using metabolic activity as the measure) can reduce the potential for process failure and regeneration costs.
A rapid result will facilitate corrective action or a recovery programme to protect and preserve process beds.
Improved efficiency results in reduced energy consumption, costs and carbon footprint.

Pressure Measurement

Normal

Gas used

Gas produced

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