Sterile disposable sampling system for bioreactors

The sampling system has been designed to prevent contamination of the main bioreactor and is itself disposable.

The Cellexus Sampler allows the user to withdraw a sample of cell culture media from the bioreactor.

An integrated one-way valve prevents any of the withdrawn sample returning to the bioreactor.

This is important as it reduces the possibility of contamination by viruses, micro-organisms or chemicals that may otherwise find their way back into the main culture.

The Sampler collects some of the cell culture into mini pouches and these are then sealed and cut with a hand-held welding device.

The sealed pouches can then be removed from the culture suite and analysed elsewhere.

As with all of the products developed at Cellexus Biosystems, simplicity is the key.

"We looked at how researchers were collecting samples from traditional glass and steel bioreactors as well as disposable systems and saw that it is really not that easy.

"Maintaining aseptic (sterile) conditions, when samples are taken at regular intervals, is not at all simple and requires a lot of practise to perfect the technique.

"The combination of the Cellexus Sampler and a simple hand-held tubing sealer/cutter makes this process a lot easier to master and reduces the threat of contamination" explained Kevin Auton, CEO of Cellexus Biosystems.

The company will be demonstrating the Cellexus Sampler and the CellMaker Lite at IBC's BioProcess in San Francisco, at stand number 310, and will be shipping this new product to customers in early 2007.