FISP^® Sampling Probes

The Sterile In-Situ Sampling System for Fermentation and Cell Culture

New Brunswick Scientific now offers a sampling probe capable of withdrawing sterile, cell-free samples from bioreactors and fermentors. The innovative FISP probes, developed by Flownamics Analytical Instruments, allow direct on-line sample transfer to a variety of analytical instruments, such as biochemical analyzers, HPLC and mass spec systems, as well as off-line sampling.

The sampling probes consist of a small tube-shaped stainless-steel carrier surrounded by a tubular microporous membrane with a pore size of 0.2 microns.

Microbial and Mammalian Sampling

FISP probes perform well whether the process is a microbial fermentation requiring multiple samples per hour or a mammalian cell culture requiring less frequent sampling. Sampling with FISP probes provide an excellent means of obtaining real-time data for process monitoring and control of critical process parameters such as nutrient feeding, culture metabolism and perfusion rates.

FISP probes come in a variety of lengths and sizes to fit any bioreactor or fermentor vessel.

Features & Benefits

• Sterile, cell-free sampling enables on or off-line analysis
• Suitable for aerobic or anaerobic bacterial cultures, as well as yeast, fungi, algae, insect, animal and mammalian cell cultures
• 12, 19 and 25 mm sample probes accommodate benchtop systems as well as pilot and industrial-scale bioreactors
• Can be used with single-use bioreactors via Kleenpak™ connectors (requires autoclaving prior to bag insertion)
• Design minimizes dead volume which allows for consistent and accurate sampling, and eliminates the need to flush the probe
• Easy to use; no operator training required
• Tubular microporous membranes are autoclavable and sterilizable in-place
• Durable materials and construction withstand temperatures, pressures, viscosities, shear forces and chemicals typical of fermentation environments
• Risk-free sampling due to elimination of by-pass filters, which recirculate material back into the vessel
• Validatable sampling method meets FDA, EMEA and cGMP guidelines

Operation of the FISP Sample Probe

The probe is sterilized in the vessel with the probe immersed in the fermentation broth or cell culture medium. A peristaltic pump, syringe (not supplied as standard) or the vessel hydrostatic pressure is used to withdraw a sample through the tubular membrane and into the probe's stainless steel carrier's network of grooves. The sample then flows through the grooves into a central channel where the cell-free sample can be directed to an on-line analyzer or off-line fraction collector or sample container.

The sample flow rate depends on media viscosity and type of membrane used. The Rapid Flow™ ceramic membrane can achieve flow rates up to 5 ml/min (flow rates of 0.4 – 2.0 ml/minute are typical). A small peristaltic pump, such as a Watson Marlow type 101, is sufficient to draw the sample. The pump can either be built-in to the bioreactor console or skid, or can be remote.

12, 19 and 25 mm Sample Probes

FISP sample probes are available for 12, 19 and 25 mm ports and for any type of laboratory, pilot or industrial bioreactor or fermentor.

Types of Microporous Membranes

FISP probes utilize ceramic microporous membranes, which are available as either a standard flow or rapid flow membrane. For questions concerning membrane applications, please visit the Flownamics Analytical Instruments webpage, www.flownamics.com, or call Flownamics Product Support at 800.932.6989.

Rapid Flow Ceramic Membrane

Recommended for Higher Flow Rate Sampling Applications

• 0.2 micron
• Hydrophilic material, no pre-treatment of membranes required
• Can be autoclaved as well as sterilized in place
• No effects from high concentrations of anti-foam agents
• Up to 5 ml/min flow rate
• Interchangeable with standard ceramic membrane

Customized Membranes

Membranes can be tailored to meet unique needs and applications by modifying the following characteristics:

• Pore size
• Membrane dimensions
• Membrane composition

For inquiries please contact Flownamics Product Support at 800.932.6989

Selected References

Amgen, Apotex Fermentation, Bayer, Fort Dodge Animal Health, Genencor, Genzyme, Merck, Monsanto, Procter & Gamble, Pfizer, Protein Design, Schering-Plough, and Progenics.

Specifications

Entry Side – D Series Top – F Series

Size 19 mm · 25 mm 12 mm · 19 mm Fitting/Port Ingold Compression2 Immersion Depth 90 & 110 mm1 120, 220, 320 & 420 mm1

Membrane Ceramic

Membrane Length 1.850" (47.0 mm) Pore Size 0.2 microns3 Max. Flow Rate 5 mL/min

Notes:

1. Measured from outside edge of port
2. The 19 mm probe has double 0-rings and requires a 19 mm port with exterior thread and nut. The 12mm probe is a straight tube and requires a 12mm port with exterior thread, nut and compression fitting or double O-ring
3. Other specifications on request. Please contact us for further details