Aber Instruments has announced the launch of a new, unique design of probe for monitoring and controlling "viable " biomass in bioreactors, called the AberProbe^TMrange.

Biomass probes incorporating a patented four pin electrode design have been traditionally used with the Biomass Monitor and related instruments at over 400 different sites in biotechnology and brewing. For smaller fermenters with only 12mm diameter entry ports or for the more demanding applications with low levels of biomass, there has been a requirement for an alternative probe. Combined with the new Biomass Monitor 220 series, the AberProbe^TM incorporating four annular ring electrodes, provides a unique solution.

When used with the Biomass Monitor 220 the unique design of probe provides the optimum radio-frequency field for measuring live biomass in microbial fermentations and cell culture. The sensitivity of the probe to cells is distributed more evenly over a large volume compared to the traditional probes: this also reduces the size of the disturbance caused by any large gas bubbles in a fermenter.

For fermentation and cell culture the AberProbe can provides a number of key benefits:

• High sensitivity extending the concentration range of viable biomass detection and especially suitable for bacterial fermentations.
• The flush electrode arrangement has no sharp or protruding surfaces: ideal for adherent or filamentous cell types.
• Probe manufactured from traceable wetted materials that conform to FDA: ideal for use in GMP conditions.
• Available in diameters 12mm and 25mm in various lengths and can be used in most types of fermenters.
• Probe tip dimensions common to all probes between so ideal for scale up.

In common with all other probe types from Aber Instruments, the AberProbe^TM is steam sterilizable in situ and can be autoclaved. For further information on the new range of probes, contact Aber Instruments or your local distributor.Brochure download at http://www.applikonbio.com/applikonbio/c8_02.pdf