NASA 1996 SBIR Phase I

PROJECT TITLE : Optical Oxygen Sensor for Dissolved Oxygen Monitoring in Bioreactors

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)

This Phase I SBIR addresses the need to develop technologies to monitor dissolved oxygen levels in bioreactor broth solutions. The proposed project will demonstrate the feasibility of an optical sensor for dissolved oxygen monitoring based on phase-sensitive flourimetric detection of the oxygen quenchable emission from a ruthenium complex immobilized in a unique host polymer membrane. The innovative combination of phase-sensitive detection and the unique polymer membrane will enable reliable long-term reactor monitoring which will significantly improve NASA's capability to maintain optimal oxygen concentration levels in bioreactors. The Phase I work includes experiments to determine the luminescent quantum efficiency of the metal complex in the new host matrix, development of a mathematical model for an all solid-state phase-sensitive instrument and demonstration of the phase-shift response of the unique sensing membrane using a bread-board instrument. The Phase I research will support the Phase II effort to design, fabricate, test, and deliver an optical oxygen sensor and instrument to NASA for evaluation in a bioreactor.

Real-time monitoring of dissolved oxygen in cell culture systems is essential to optimizing cell specific productivity and thus yield. The trend in many bioreactor systems is toward continuous operation of perfusion type systems which require oxygen sensors with operating lifetime exceeding that of the current oxygen electrode technology. This sensing device will provide the long-term reliability required of these new systems and, therefore, have a significant market potential in all areas where biotechnology is being utilized including the pharmaceutical, bio-pharmaceutical, chemical, and bio-remediation industries.

James A. Kane, Ph.D.
Polestar technologies, Inc.
220 Reservoir Street, Suite 28B
Needham Heights, MA 02194

Polestar Technologies, Inc.
220 Reservoir Street, Suite 28B
Needham Heights, MA 02194