Abstract:
The present invention relates to apparatus, systems and methods for performing in situ measurements, and, more particularly, to apparatus, systems and methods that can isolate a sample from a bulk fluid to measure characteristics of same without unwanted effects of perturbation in the bulk fluid.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
       [0001]    (a) Field 
         [0002]    The present invention relates to apparatus, systems and methods for performing in situ measurements, and, more particularly, to apparatus, systems and methods that can isolate a sample from a bulk fluid to measure characteristics of same without unwanted effects of perturbation in the bulk fluid. 
         [0003]    (b) Description of the Related Art 
         [0004]    In situ measurement and the use of probes in implementing the same are subjects of much current interest due to their tremendous variety of applications. Whether it be for the monitoring of a cell culture, aquatic systems, or ecosystems, the accurate measurement of parameters in the system is useful for detecting natural, spatial, and/or temporal variations. 
         [0005]    This type of undertaking is ideally performed in situ as the conventional approach of sample removal from the system, storage, and/or transport heightens the risk for contamination and inaccurate measurement of system conditions. In bioreactor processes, for instance, the ability to monitor cellular physiological states and system parameters is essential to control and maintain the system at desired conditions. 
         [0006]    In the cell culture context, the tracking of metabolic states is very important for, e.g. designing feeding strategies, process scale-up, and calculation of optimal harvest time, etc. A commonly used indicator of metabolic activity in cells is the oxygen uptake rate or OUR. 
         [0007]    One conventional method of measuring OUR, known as the dynamic method, requires stopping all gas supply then monitoring the oxygen consumption over time. This creates a harsh and significant disturbance to the cells, which consequently impacts cell proliferation, results in potentially erroneous readings, and does not allow for an extended period of continuous, real-time monitoring. 
         [0008]    Another conventional method, illustrated in  FIG. 1A , involves drawing a sample from the bioreactor and transferring it to an external vessel equipped with a monitoring and control system. Conditions, such as pH, temperature, aeration, etc., in the external vessel must be adjusted and controlled to mirror those of the bioreactor in order to obtain accurate and reliable readings. Duplicating these conditions, however, is challenging and time-consuming. In light of the above, apparatus and methods for in situ measurements that reduce the effects of system perturbations are highly desirable. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0009]    According to one embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus for in situ measurements is disclosed having a body, a separator, a holder, and one or more probes. The body is configured for insertion into a bulk fluid and includes an interior and one or more apertures for fluid communication between the interior and the bulk fluid. The separator is received in the body interior and movable between an open position remote from the one or more apertures and a closed position adjacent to the one or more apertures. The holder, which is mounted within the separator, includes a chamber wall. The chamber wall, separator, and body interior together define a sample chamber. One or more probes are received by the holder with the end(s) extending into the sample chamber. 
         [0010]    In another embodiment of the present invention, a system for in situ measurements comprises the aforementioned apparatus, a vessel containing the bulk fluid, and a retraction assembly mounted on the vessel. 
         [0011]    In yet another embodiment of the invention, a method of performing in situ measurements is disclosed, which involves first contacting the body of the apparatus of the invention with the bulk fluid when the separator is in the open position then measuring one or more parameters of the bulk fluid using one or more probes. 
         [0012]    In still another embodiment of the invention, the method of performing in situ measurements includes contacting the body of the apparatus of the invention with the bulk fluid when the separator is in the open position; isolating a sample of the bulk fluid within the sample chamber by moving the separator to the closed position; and measuring one or more parameters of the sample using one or more probes. 
         [0013]    In another embodiment of the invention, the method of performing in situ measurements includes contacting the body of the apparatus in the system disclosed herein with the bulk fluid when the separator is in the open position and measuring one or more parameters of the bulk fluid using one or more probes. 
         [0014]    In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the method of performing in situ measurements includes contacting the body of the apparatus in the system disclosed herein with the bulk fluid when the separator is in the open position; isolating a sample of the bulk fluid within the sample chamber by moving the separator to the closed position; and measuring one or more parameters of the bulk fluid using one or more probes. 
         [0015]    The methods and apparatuses of the present invention have other features and advantages which will be apparent from or are set forth in more detail in the accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein, and the following Detailed Description of the Invention, which together serve to explain certain principles of the present invention. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0016]      FIG. 1  provides conceptual views of a conventional method of measuring OUR, shown on the left as  FIG. 1A , juxtaposed with an exemplary embodiment of the in situ method of the invention, shown on the right as  FIG. 1B . 
           [0017]      FIGS. 2A and 2C  illustrate an exemplary embodiment of the present invention in exploded view and assembled view, respectively, whereas  FIGS. 2B and 2D  illustrate an exemplary embodiment of the present invention with a commercially available retraction housing in exploded view and assembled view, respectively. 
           [0018]      FIG. 3  is an enlarged view of various components of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0019]      FIG. 4  is a front perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0020]      FIG. 5  provides detailed schematic of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 5A  is a front cross-sectional view whereas  FIG. 5B  and  FIG. 5C  side cross-sectional views of a sample chamber portion of the invention in open and closed position, respectively. 
           [0021]      FIG. 6  is a side cross-sectional view of an apparatus of the invention as mounted in a port of a vessel wall and equipped with a linear stage and stepper motor. 
           [0022]      FIG. 7  is an enlarged view of exemplary components used in conjunction with the apparatus of the present invention. 
           [0023]      FIG. 8  provides side cross-sectional views of an apparatus of the invention, whereas  FIG. 8A  shows the apparatus mounted in place through a vessel wall and  FIG. 8B  shows the apparatus retracted from the vessel wall. 
           [0024]      FIG. 9  is an external side view of an apparatus of the invention in the closed position. 
           [0025]      FIG. 10  is an external side view of an apparatus of the invention in open position. 
           [0026]      FIG. 11  is an external side view of an apparatus of the invention as it would appear in the process of being retracted. 
           [0027]      FIG. 12  is an external side view of an apparatus of the invention with an autoclave cap. 
           [0028]      FIG. 13  is a graph of four oxygen uptake rate measurements taken during the perfusion process at a cell density of 18×10 6  cells/mL. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0029]    Reference will now be made in detail to various embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described below. While the invention will be described in conjunction with exemplary embodiments, it will be understood that present description is not intended to limit the invention to those exemplary embodiments. On the contrary, the invention is intended to cover not only the exemplary embodiments, but also various alternatives, modifications, equivalents and other embodiments, which may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. While the invention will be described with reference to an apparatus having features suitable for use with cell culture, it will be appreciated that the apparatus and system can be used for in situ measurement of any fluid environment outside of the bioreactor context. 
         [0030]    As used herein, the term “bulk fluid” refers to a volume of fluid from which a sample can be isolated and analyzed. 
         [0031]    Embodiments described herein provide apparatus, systems, and methods for in situ measurements that isolate a sample of a bulk fluid, such as that in a reactor, aquatic system or ecosystem. Characteristics of the sample can then be measured without noise from perturbation of the bulk fluid. 
         [0032]    Referring to  FIG. 1A , which shows a conceptual view of conventional measurement of OUR, a sample of fluid in the reactor is typically removed from the system and transferred to an external vessel, where parameters such as OUR are measured. Other parameters that can be measured include, without limitation, nitrification rate, denitrification rate, etc. Conditions in the external vessel, such as temperature, agitation, and aeration, etc. must be precisely controlled to correspond to conditions in the reactor. As previously discussed, removal from the system presents various challenges and drawbacks. The present invention offers a solution by providing apparatus, systems, and methods for in situ measurement that obviate the need for removal and transfer to a separate controlled system. It achieves this by isolating a sample of the media or bulk fluid in a compartment within the reactor by means of an apparatus that will be described below. Because the sample fluid remains in the reactor, additional controls are not necessary. The apparatus of the invention can also be shifted to the closed position, which enables it to function as a conventional sensor, detecting parameters such as pH, temperature, dissolved oxygen, etc. and measuring changes in the reactor media. 
         [0033]    In exemplary embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 2 , an apparatus of the invention includes a body  30 , a separator  32 , a probe holder  33 , and one or more probes  35 . In some embodiments, the apparatus can further include a linear stage and actuator  37  which controls the separator movement, a stepper motor and gear box  39  that controls the holder movement, an end cap  40  that attaches to one end of the body, and/or a retraction housing  42 . The body is configured with one or more apertures  44  that, when unobstructed, allow fluid communication between the interior of the housing and its surrounding environment. In the illustrated embodiment, the body includes three apertures, however, one will appreciate that one or more apertures of various geometries and dimensions may be used. The body, separator and holder may be constructed of a gas and/or liquid-impermeable material such as a metal, alloy, elastomer, plastic, polyurethane or composite. One will appreciate that these components may be constructed of any combination of these materials and/or other suitable materials. The body may be a single monolithically formed body or may comprise multiple parts fitted together, as exemplified in  FIGS. 2B and 2D , showing a screw-on or otherwise removable end cap  40  at the distal end of body  30 . While a body with a removable end cap  40  such as that shown in  FIG. 2  may be easier to make for machining considerations than one that is formed integrally, the present invention is not limited to any particular construction and one will appreciate that the body and other components may have various configurations. 
         [0034]    Referring to  FIG. 2-5 , a separator  32  is provided in the interior of and movable within the body  30 . In the illustrated embodiment, separator  32  moves axially between an open position, as shown in  FIGS. 5B and 10 , and a closed position, as shown in  FIGS. 5C and 9 . When the separator is in the open position, the body interior is in fluid communication with the bulk fluid, as illustrated by the arrow indicating fluid movement through the apertures  44 . When the separator is in the closed position, the apertures are sealed such that the body interior is fluidly isolated from the bulk fluid, as illustrated by the curved arrow at the upper aperture in  FIG. 5C . 
         [0035]    Therefore, in some embodiments, the apparatus has two modes or positions: an open mode, as shown in  FIG. 5B , and a closed mode, as shown in  FIG. 5C . The apparatus can be used in either mode depending on whether fluid isolation of the sample from the bulk fluid is desired for the particular data that are being collected. Referring also to  FIG. 1B , for example and without limitation, the open mode may be suitable for measuring dissolved oxygen (DO), dissolved carbon dioxide, temperature, pH or cell density while the closed mode is suitable for measuring OUR or nitrification. In either mode, shown in  FIGS. 5B and 5C , a sample chamber  46  (indicated by the phantom lines) is defined by a chamber wall  47  of the holder, which will be described below, an interior of the body, and the separator. 
         [0036]    Referring again to  FIGS. 2A-5C , an exemplary embodiment of the apparatus also includes a holder  33  such as the illustrated holder tube, which houses one or more sensing probes  35  interior to the separator  32 . To collect data on the sample, the one or more probes extend into the sample chamber  46  which may or may not be fluidly isolated from the bulk fluid depending on whether it is in the closed or open position. The one or more probes used with the present invention may be a customized probe or any commercially available probe, for example and without limitation, a fluorescence-based optical probe, an electrochemical probe, a dissolved oxygen probe, a dissolved carbon dioxide probe, or a combination of any number thereof. Probes for other metabolites such as glucose, glutamine, glutamate, lactate, or ammonia, and other gases may also be employed. 
         [0037]    As illustrated in  FIGS. 4 and 5A , one or more probes  35  may be mounted off-center with respect to a central axis of the holder, the separator, and/or the body.  FIG. 4  illustrates two probes, provided symmetrically around a center.  FIG. 5A  illustrates a single off-center probe. It should be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the present invention is not limited to any number or disposition of probes. Referring also to  FIG. 6 , the body may be connected to a stepper motor  39  and gear box  49 , such that the holder is rotatable around a central axis. In the case of the one or more off-center probes, the probe(s) can be used to stir, agitate or otherwise manipulate the sample in the sample chamber. This feature of the invention provides the advantages of keeping cells or other sample components in suspension and prevent gaseous, e.g. O 2 , CO 2 , etc. or metabolite concentration gradients from forming. In some embodiments, any number of stirrers such as paddles or the like may be attached to one or more of the probes or otherwise mounted within the sample chamber. It should be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that stirrer(s) may be provided regardless of the number of probes or whether the probes are mounted on- or off-center. 
         [0038]    In some embodiments, as illustrated in  FIGS. 6 and 8 , the separator is attached to a linear stage and actuator, which provide the axial movement of the separator between the open position/mode of  FIG. 10 , and the closed position/mode of  FIG. 9 . The linear stage may be made of various materials, including without limitation, e.g. steel, non-reactive metals, polymers, etc. 
         [0039]    Referring now to  FIGS. 8B and 11 , the inventive apparatus can be adapted for use with a retraction system  51 . The retraction system may include the inventive apparatus, a vessel  53  containing the bulk fluid, and a retraction assembly mounted onto the vessel. The retraction assembly includes retraction housing  42 , wherein body  30  is configured for removal and sealing insertion through the retraction housing into the bulk fluid. As illustrated in  FIG. 9-11 , the retraction housing may include one or more steam ports  54 , through which steam can be injected for sterilization purposes. 
         [0040]    Referring to  FIGS. 3 and 9 , in some embodiments, the apparatus is detachable from the linear stage and actuator and stepper motor and gear box or any other mechanism by which movement of the separator and holder is achieved, leaving an exposed opening on one end of the apparatus. An autoclave cap  56  can then be placed on the exposed end of the apparatus for autoclaving or sterilize-in-place (SIP) procedures. In some embodiments, the cap can be placed on the body on a portion distal from the apertures. The cap may be made of steel, glass or any other material known in the art for its heat or pressure-resistance. 
         [0041]    Any custom or commercially available retraction assembly can be used, including but not limited to, the Mettler Toledo InTrac® retraction assembly and others known in the art. The adaptability of the present invention for use with a retraction system is particularly advantageous for long-term perfusion processes that typically run for durations of three months or longer. The retraction aspect of the invention allows for swapping, adjustment, maintenance or replacement of probes, e.g. to remove defective/broken probes or test for a different parameter of the sample, without significant process interruption. 
         [0042]    In some embodiments, the apparatus may include one or more O-rings to provide a mechanical or fluidic seal at any interface between two or more components of the invention. An O-ring can be positioned between end cap  40  and body  30 , between separator  32  and the end of body  30  proximal to aperture(s)  44 , or between separator  32  and holder  33 . 
         [0043]    Although the body, separator, holder, and one or more probes are illustrated in the accompanying drawings as tubular structures, those of ordinary skill in the art should recognize that these components may take any shape or form as can their cross-sections, e.g. regular: elliptical, circular, polygonal, etc. or irregular. 
         [0044]    In use, the apparatus is inserted into a bulk fluid such as a culturing media in a bioreactor. In the illustrated embodiment, the apparatus is inserted through a port of the reactor or vessel wall, however, one will appreciate that the apparatus may be configured for insertion directly into a bulk fluid such as a river, lake or marsh, aquatic culture tanks, agricultural water supplies and seawater. After insertion into the bulk fluid, the separator can be placed in either the open position ( FIG. 5B ) or closed position ( FIG. 5C ). When the separator is in the open position, a portion of the bulk fluid will flow through the apertures into the sample chamber, allowing measurement of parameters such as pH, temperature, dissolved oxygen, etc. in the bulk fluid. For some uses, the data is collected while the separator is in the closed position, thereby fluidly isolating a sample in the sample chamber from the bulk fluid. The data collected by the probes in the closed mode may be suitable for assessing the physiological state of cells in the reactor and measuring parameters such as nitrification or oxygen uptake rate of culturing cells. 
         [0045]    The present invention has a number of applications, including the use of a dissolved carbon dioxide probe and dissolved oxygen probe, simultaneously or in turn, to determine the respiratory quotient of cells in culture. The dissolved carbon dioxide probe measures pCO 2  over time to calculate the carbon dioxide evolution rate (CER). The CER can then be employed in conjunction with the OUR determined by the dissolved oxygen probe to determine the respiratory quotient (RQ). 
         [0046]    The invention can also be used for monitoring cell health and physiological states in culture. For instance, cell density should remain relatively constant in processes run in steady-state. The oxygen consumption rate should likewise remain constant. Under such conditions, a detected flux in the oxygen consumption rate can signal an unexpected or undesired change in cell density and thereby allow correction measures to be taken. Under other conditions, where a change in cell density is expected, a detected stasis in cell density by OUR measurement might be an indication of other problems and warrant a more thorough investigation of the cause. Since the apparatus of the invention has an open mode, it can be used as an enhanced sensor in reactors for mammalian cell culture, prokaryotic and eukaryotic fermentation, aquatic systems, ecological studies, or any other contexts. 
       EXAMPLE 
       [0047]    The following is offered to illustrate the operation of an embodiment of the present invention and not by way of limitation. 
         [0048]    Experimental: Appropriate probes were selected and installed in the system, the condition of all O-rings and parts checked and the autoclave cap attached to the system, which was processed in the autoclave. After autoclaving, the autoclave cap was removed from the apparatus and a motor mount installed in its place. The apparatus was then installed onto a vessel/fermentor along with additional control equipment as needed (pH probes, temperature probes, etc.). Probe(s) were connected to the appropriate transmitters, i.e. the DO transmitter, and their signals sent to a data acquisition or SCADA system (FermWorks™ 2.1 by Jova Solutions, San Francisco). Stepper motors that move the probes and the separator were connected to a stepper motor controller (2× TIMS 0201™, Jova Solutions, San Francisco) and the control software initialized. In the setup, TIMS 0201 was connected via USB to the process control computer running the fermentor and the control program in a plug-in for FermWorks™. 
         [0049]    The appropriate parameters for system operation were set. These parameters included oscillation/mixing frequency, open and closed position of the separator, measurement frequency (in number of measurements per hour in auto mode). The DO probes of the system were then calibrated, 0% and 100% air saturation being achieved by respectively sparging the reactor with nitrogen and air. Fermentation procedures were performed: adding the medium and cells to the reactor and starting the SCADA control loops for critical parameters, including dissolved oxygen (DO), pH, temperature, and agitation. Parameters/conditions were allowed to stabilize before measurement in the closed mode to avoid otherwise skewed readings. Measurement in closed mode was initiated by moving the separator and closing the sample chamber via the control program. Sample mixing was implemented by the stepper motor control software, causing the probe holder to spin clockwise or counterclockwise as desired and turn the probe(s). Changes in probe signals, e.g. oxygen consumption, were recorded over time. 
         [0050]    The sample chamber was opened and the sample released back into the bulk fluid once the probe signal reaches a predetermined threshold. Rotation of the holder was ceased and the probe(s) readings allowed to stabilize before another measurement was taken. Additional measurements were timed by the control software. The oxygen uptake rate was calculated from the oxygen consumption over time as measured relative to the actual cell density. 
         [0051]    All measurements were taken during a four-week period of a perfusion process, the conditions of which are provided in Table 1. The results plotted in  FIG. 13  show good reproducibility of measurements by the present invention. Table 2 shows the calculated OURs as measured on thirteen days during the test period and the relative error associated with each measurement. The average relative error is 5.5%. 
         [0052]    For comparison, the global mass balancing (GMB) method known in the art was used to estimate the OUR for one of the experiments at a cell density of 15.5×10 6  cells/mL. The GMB method resulted in an estimated OUR of about 2.2 pmol/cell-d as compared to an OUR of about 2.0 pmol/cell·d measured by the in situ apparatus of the present invention. 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
             
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 1 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Parameter 
                 Value 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 pH 
                 6.8 
               
               
                 Temperature 
                 35.5 
               
               
                 DO 
                 50% 
               
               
                 Medium 
                 Protein-free 
               
               
                 Cell Line 
                 Baby Hamster Kidney (BHK) 
               
               
                 Cell Specific Perfusion Rate (CSPR) 
                 variable 
               
               
                 Cell Density 
                 3-20 × 10 6  cells/mL 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 2 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Cell Density 
                 CSPR 
                 OUR 
                 Error 
                   
               
               
                 1 × 10e 6  cells/mL 
                 condition 
                 (pmol/cell · d) 
                 (%) 
                 Datasets 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 3.26 
                 B 
                 2.7 
                 6.7 
                 2 
               
               
                 9.55 
                 C 
                 2.47 
                 1.6 
                 4 
               
               
                 10.3 
                 A 
                 3.14 
                 4.7 
                 4 
               
               
                 11.17 
                 A 
                 2.74 
                 4.7 
                 4 
               
               
                 12.13 
                 A 
                 2.81 
                 2.5 
                 2 
               
               
                 13.46 
                 A 
                 2.51 
                 10.8 
                 3 
               
               
                 13.58 
                 A 
                 2.45 
                 6.5 
                 4 
               
               
                 13.76 
                 A 
                 3.9 
                 4.6 
                 3 
               
               
                 15.26 
                 B 
                 2.17 
                 0.0 
                 2 
               
               
                 15.5 
                 B 
                 2 
                 9.5 
                 4 
               
               
                 17.11 
                 C 
                 2.64 
                 14.4 
                 3 
               
               
                 17.77 
                 B 
                 2.14 
                 3.0 
                 5 
               
               
                 20.2 
                 A 
                 2.28 
                 3.5 
                 2 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0053]    While this invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be practical exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, but, on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.