Cell Growth Quantifier BioR (CGQ BioR)

The BioR can be easily strapped onto a wide range of vessel types. The only requirement is that it is either a see-through material (glass, see-through plastic) or - for stainless steel - that it has a transparent window of at least 2 × 2 cm located at the height of the culture broth, allowing the sensor housing to attach securely and optically monitor the fermentation broth. In addition to standard vessels, the BioR is also compatible with various photobioreactors. 

Below, you’ll find a non-exhaustive list of bioreactors that are compatible with the BioR, as well as a list of vessel types that are not suitable. If you are unsure whether your vessel can be used with the BioR, our support team will be happy to assist you.

Bioreactors/vessels that the BioR does work with:

• Infors HT Benchtop Bioreactor Minifors 2
• Infors HT Benchtop Bioreactor Multifors 2
• Infors HT Benchtop Bioreactor Labfors 5
• Sartorius Univessel® Glass Benchtop Bioreactors of all sizes
• Sartorius Univessel® SU Bioreactors of all sizes
• Sartorius Ambr® 250 Modular System
• eppendorf SciVario® twin Benchtop Bioreactors for Microbiology
• eppendorf BioFlo® 120 Bioreactors
• eppendorf BioFlo® 320-Bioreaktoren
• eppendorf BioBLU® c Single-Use Bioreactors 1c, 3c, 10c, 50c
• eppendorf BioBLU® f Single-Use Bioreactors 1f, 3f, 10f, 50f
• eppendorf DASGIP® Bioblock/SciVario® twin Stirrer Vessels for microbial applications
• IKA Habitat all sizes
• IKA photobioreactor Algaemaster

Bioreactors/vessels that the BioR does not work with:

• Infors HT Benchtop Bioreactor Techfors
• Infors HT Benchtop Bioreactor Techfors S
• eppendorf BioBLU® c Single-Use Bioreactors 0.3c
• eppendorf BioBLU® f Single-Use Bioreactors 0.3f

It depends on the design of your heating jacket. If the jacket completely encloses the bioreactor, the CGQ BioR cannot be used. However, many heating jackets do not cover the entire length of the vessel and leave a gap. As long as this gap is at least 2 × 2 cm and the BioR can be mounted directly onto the window without any distance in between, measurements will work reliably.

Please also note that the sensor’s standard operating temperature is up to 45°C. Significantly higher temperatures caused by the heating jacket may damage the sensor.

The BioR allows flexible integration of biomass data into other software platforms (e.g., via analog output or OPC). It can be seamlessly added to your existing infrastructure, including the bioreactor software you already use, without requiring the DOTS Software. Additionally, the DOTS Software is able to create a continuous csv export of the data created, allowing further integration options.

No. Unlike invasive probes that occupy port space, the BioR is completely non-invasive and operates without using or blocking any ports.

The two modes differ in sensitivity and wavelength. Low biomass mode is optimized for low OD ranges (OD₆₀₀ 0.5–50) and uses a wavelength of 521 nm, while high biomass mode is designed for higher OD ranges (OD₆₀₀ 5–200) and operates at 940 nm. You will need to select the appropriate mode before starting your run, as it is not possible to switch modes once the experiment has begun.

No. The BioR can be strapped onto your vessel and will immediately begin monitoring biomass in arbitrary units (a.u.) — no calibration required.

As an optical sensor, the CGQ BioR measures all optically active particles, including air bubbles in the bioreactor. Consequently, changing conditions—such as when running the reactor in cascadic mode—may interfere with biomass readings. This can often be minimized by adjusting the sensor position. For best results, keep the aeration rate and stirring speed as constant as possible.