Sensor-array for continuous monitoring of biochemicals for bioprocess control

In biopharmaceutical manufacturing, monitoring of bioprocess parameters is very crucial for maximum cell growth, viability and density, as well as biologic product concentration and yield. At the same time, disposable technologies have become popular due to their low capital costs, minimal contamination risk and lower sterilization overhead. We have developed a sensor-array that utilizes novel stimuli-responsive hydrogels intended for use as the sensing elements of disposable sensors in single use bioreactors. The response of hydrogels to changes in environmental concentration of a specific analyte is transduced using a magnetic or pressure sensor. Here we present recent results from glucose, lactate and osmolality hydrogels measured using pressure and magnetic sensors respectively. In addition to these results, we present a novel transduction method for the hydrogel response, along with a design for a sensor-transducer array for use in bioprocess control.