Composite sensor assemblies for single use bioreactors

Abstract

A composite sensor assembly for monitoring bio-processes which is suitable for use with a polymeric bioprocess vessel or with downstream equipment, and comprises: i) a port comprising a high surface tension thermoplastic having a hollow tubular portion and a base plate portion, the base plate portion being fusibly sealable to the bioreactor vessel at a hole in the wall thereof; ii) a generally opaque polymeric monitoring sensor assembly including electrical, and/or optical measurement components. The sensor assembly tits inside the bore of the hollow tubular portion of the port, and is adhesively retained therein.

1 - 19 . (canceled) 
     
     
         20 . A composite assembly for use with a polymeric bioprocess vessel, said assembly comprising:
 i) a port comprising a high surface tension thermoplastic having a hollow portion and a base plate portion, at least said base plate portion comprising a polymer fusibly sealable to the bioprocess vessel at a hole in the wall thereof;   ii) a polymeric unit including rotational assembly components, and/or sparger components , said unit fitting inside the bore of the hollow portion of said port, and being adhesively retained therein, said port providing the polymeric unit components with access to the contents of said bioreactor vessel.   
     
     
         21 . A composite assembly in accordance with  claim 20  wherein said polymeric unit further comprises means for removing samples from the bioprocess vessel. 
     
     
         22 . A composite assembly in accordance with  claim 20  wherein said polymeric unit comprises a sparger. 
     
     
         23 . A composite assembly in accordance with  claim 20  wherein said polymeric unit comprises a rotational assembly. 
     
     
         24 . A rotational assembly in accordance with  claim 23  wherein said rotational assembly is used for agitation of liquid within the bioprocess container. 
     
     
         25 - 26 . (canceled) 
     
     
         27 . The rotational assembly in accordance with  claim 23 , wherein the rotational assembly comprises polymer selected from the group consisting of polycarbonates, co-polyesters, cycloolefin copolymers, poly-olefins, and polystyrene. 
     
     
         28 . The composite assembly in accordance with  claim 20 , wherein a USP Class VI adhesive is present between said polymeric unit and said port. 
     
     
         29 . The composite assembly in accordance with  claim 28 , wherein said adhesive is selected from the group consisting of one or two part epoxy resins, UV cured epoxies, cyanoacrylates, platinum cured silicones, and polyurethanes. 
     
     
         30 . The composite assembly in accordance with  claim 20 , wherein said high surface tension thermoplastic is low or ultra low density polyethylene or ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer. 
     
     
         31 . The composite assembly in accordance with  claim 20 , wherein the polymeric unit comprises a polymer different from the high surface tension thermoplastic. 
     
     
         32 . A process for the fabrication of the composite assembly of  claim 20  wherein said polymeric unit is adhesively retained by interposing between either or both of an inner surface of the hollow portion of said port and an outer surface of said polymeric unit an adhesive selected from the group consisting of one or two part epoxy resins, UV curable epoxies, cyanoacrylates, silicones, and polyurethanes.