In-Situ Probe

Abstract

A device for monitoring a bioreactor is configured for in-situ analysis, e.g., by NIR, without the need for withdrawing a sample into a sample cell or into an ex-situ arrangement. The device can be inserted into a port of the bioreactor and provides a sample detection region defined by an optical element such as a lens and a photodetector. The electrical signal obtained from a photodetector that is part of the device can be directed to an analyzer via a detachable electrical connection.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A device for monitoring a vessel, the device comprising:
 an outer tube;   a tip section at the end of the tube, the tip section having a sample detection region defined by an optical transmission port and an optical detection port, wherein light received through the optical detection port is detected by a photodetector housed in the tip section and wherein light is transmitted in a free space path along a length of the tube to the optical transmission port.   
     
     
         2 . The device as claimed in  claim 1 , further comprising an inner tube housed in the outer tube. 
     
     
         3 . The device as claimed in  claim 2 , wherein the inner tube defines the free space path for the light for the optical transmission port. 
     
     
         4 . The device as claimed in  claim 2 , further comprising a pin connector system for enabling electrical connections to the tip section when the inner tube is inserted into the outer tube. 
     
     
         5 . The device as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the outer tube contains electrical wiring for the photodetector. 
     
     
         6 . The device as claimed in  claim 1 , further comprising a housing at a proximal end of the outer tube for making electrical connections for the optical detector. 
     
     
         7 . The device as claimed in  claim 1 , further comprising a fitting on the outer tube for sealing with a port of a bioreactor. 
     
     
         8 . The device as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the light is generated by a tunable laser that sweeps a narrow band emission across an infrared spectral band. 
     
     
         9 . The device as claimed in  claim 1 , further comprising a focusing lens in the tip section for conditioning the light transmitted across the sample detection region. 
     
     
         10 . A method for monitoring a vessel, the method comprising:
 inserting an outer tube with a tip section into the vessel;   transmitting light in a free space path along a length of the outer tube;   then transmitting the light across a sample detection region of the tip section from an optical transmission port to an optical detection port; and   detecting the light received through the optical detection port with a photodetector housed in the tip section.   
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 10 , further comprising autoclaving the outer tube including the tip section prior to inserting the outer tube into the vessel. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 10 , further comprising, after inserting the outer tube into the vessel, inserting an inner tube including a housing into the outer tube. 
     
     
         13 . A device for monitoring a vessel, the device comprising:
 a removable electronic housing;   an outer tube extending from the electronic housing;   a tip section at the end of the tube, the tip section having a sample detection region defined by an optical transmission port and an optical detection port, wherein light received through the optical detection port is detected by a photodetector.   
     
     
         14 . The device as claimed in  claim 13 , wherein the photodetector is housed in the tip section. 
     
     
         15 . The device as claimed in  claim 13 , further comprising a flange arrangement for connecting the electronic housing to the outer tube. 
     
     
         16 . The device as claimed in  claim 13 , further comprising a cap for sealing a proximal end of the outer tube when the removable housing is removed. 
     
     
         17 . The device as claimed in  claim 13 , further comprising a flange arrangement on the outer tube for alternatively receiving the cap or the removable electronic housing.