Novel Automated Nutrient Incorporation

By

Vivek Angiras

16.541 Introduction to Biosensors

4th Apr 07

Objective

To develop a low-cost, on-line, non-invasive optical system to monitor cell growth and viability during cell culture.

Things Covered

n  Test Cells

n  Prototype/Setup 3

n  Sample dye

n  Lensed Fiber

n  Timeline

n  Conclusion

Test Cells

We will be using mammalian cells as the test sample. Adjusting a pH level from 6.8 to 7.4 which is optimal pH for most cell lines. If pH of the media is not maintained the cell growth will be incompatible with the media and will deteriorate.

Mammalian Cells

Prototype/Setup 3

n  Illuminator.

n  The prototype will consist of the dye (which will act as the sample).

n  Plano-Convex Lenses.

n  Spectrometer.

n  Optical Fibers.

The prototype consists of an Illuminator, two plano-convex lenses, optical fibers and a spectrometer. We use the Illuminator to focus the light onto the plano convex lens(a) then the light is beamed and focused onto the test container containing the dye(for the preliminary data). This beam of light is then carefully calculated and focuses it to the plano-convex lens (b) which in turn is being focused to a beam collector stand connecting to the fiber. This fiber is then connected to the spectrometer.

Illuminator

Setup 3

Figure 1

Figure 2

Light passing through both the lenses and the sample container to the fiber connected to the spectrometer

Sample Dye

5-(and-6)-carboxynaphthofluorescein, succinimidyl ester

This is the dye that we will be using in the preliminary setup. The pH of the dye is 10 but it is fine for first few rounds of the experiment of the spectrum.

Ideally the spectrum of the dye is something like this

Future Approach

Future approach may contain of the lensed fiber as they don’t requite a fiber collimator and are more precise and cost effective.

Lensed Fibers

High performance components for collimating and focusing light. Flexibility and precise control of lens geometry enable versatility in beam diameter and working distance. A monolithic device consisting of a Plano-convex refractive lens, fusion spliced to a single-mode optical fiber. This results in a collimator whose reliability and operating conditions are the same as those of the optical fiber.

Some Lensed Fibers

Setup can be like

Here the testing sample can be flown through a capillary tube and can have a reservoir elsewhere. This method will be best in terms of precision and cost effectiveness but right now as the cells and gels will more viscous so it can be thought as the later development stage of the project.

Timeline

n  The preliminary tests will be carried out by the next week-04/11/07

n  Once I get the components required (1 week ) the tests can be conducted -04/18/07 & 04/25/07

n  The sample cells will be monitored in the following weeks 05/02/07 & 05/09/07

Conclusion

Project is promising yet challenging; also the undue delay is due to the lack of materials required and the timeline of other departments but will be covered now as per the timeline.

Links and References

n  http://www.photon-inc.com/PDF/Mfg_FiberLensElements.pdf

n  www.corning.com

n  www.adamant-kogyo.com

n  Dr. Wenhui Wang