South Fork Instruments, a leading supplier of measurement instrumentation, has unveiled a range of disposable optical measurement cells designed to meet the growing demand for contamination-free solutions in bioprocessing applications. The Kemtrak disposable optical cells aim to eliminate cross-contamination risks while providing precise measurements for critical processes such as chromatographic separation, filtration, and protein concentration monitoring. The introduction of these single-use cells addresses a significant challenge in the bioprocessing industry, where maintaining sterility and preventing cross-contamination are paramount.
John Daly, Technical Director at South Fork Instruments, emphasized the industry's increasing need for flexible, contamination-free measurement solutions, stating that these disposable cells deliver exceptional measurement precision while eliminating cleaning validation requirements and cross-contamination risks. The disposable cells boast several key features that make them suitable for a wide range of bioprocessing applications. Manufactured from medical-grade poly-phenylsulfone (PPSU), the cells meet USP Class VI and FDA requirements, ensuring their compatibility with stringent bioprocessing standards. The zero dead volume design and optical path lengths ranging from 0.5mm to 10mm enable precise measurements across a broad spectrum, covering 4.5 to 90 OD (Optical Density).
Flexibility is a crucial aspect of these measurement cells, as they can accommodate line sizes from 1/8" to 1" with ready-to-attach hose barb connections. This versatility supports applications ranging from small-scale discovery to full-scale production, making the cells adaptable to various stages of bioprocessing. The inclusion of a quick-release mechanism ensures precise positioning in the optical path, contributing to the reliability of measurements. The impact of these disposable optical cells on the bioprocessing industry could be significant. By eliminating the need for cleaning validation and reducing the risk of cross-contamination, these cells can potentially streamline operations, improve efficiency, and enhance product quality.
The ability to maintain sterility throughout the measurement process is particularly crucial in the production of biopharmaceuticals, where contamination can have severe consequences. Moreover, the flexibility offered by these cells aligns with the industry trend towards modular and scalable bioprocessing solutions. As biopharmaceutical companies seek to optimize their processes and reduce time-to-market, tools that can seamlessly transition from small-scale development to large-scale production become increasingly valuable. The introduction of these disposable optical cells by South Fork Instruments also reflects the broader shift in the bioprocessing industry towards single-use technologies.
This trend is driven by the need for increased flexibility, reduced risk of contamination, and lower capital costs associated with cleaning and sterilization of reusable equipment. As the biopharmaceutical industry continues to grow and evolve, innovations like these disposable optical measurement cells play a crucial role in enabling more efficient, reliable, and safe production processes. By addressing key challenges in bioprocessing measurements, South Fork Instruments is contributing to the advancement of biopharmaceutical manufacturing technologies, potentially leading to faster development and production of life-saving therapies. The availability of these Kemtrak disposable optical measurement cells represents a step forward in bioprocessing technology, offering a solution that combines precision, flexibility, and contamination control.
