The Eppendorf (DASGIP) Optical Density Sensor (Catalog 78103408) is a specialized process analytical tool designed for the real-time monitoring of cell growth in DASGIP® Parallel Bioreactor Systems. This sensor eliminates the need for manual offline sampling (pulling a sample to measure in a spectrophotometer), allowing for continuous, non-invasive tracking of biomass accumulation. The sensor typically utilizes absorbance technology (often at specific wavelengths like 880 nm or similar near-infrared ranges) to measure turbidity. By transmitting light through the culture medium and detecting the amount of light scattered or absorbed by suspended cells, it provides a direct correlation to Optical Density. Technical Features: Form Factor: The sensor is designed with a specific diameter and length (typically 4 mm diameter) to fit into the standard top-plate ports of small-scale DASGIP vessels (which often range from 60 mL to 250 mL). The small footprint is critical for preserving space on the crowded headplates of parallel mini-bioreactors. Sterilizability: It is built to withstand repeated autoclave cycles, ensuring sterility is maintained from the start of the fermentation run. Integration: It connects directly to the DASGIP control modules (such as the OD4 module), which process the signal and visualize growth curves instantly in the DASware® control software. This allows for automated feedback loops, such as starting a feed pump automatically once a culture reaches a specific density (turbidostat mode).
