South Fork Instruments Introduces Disposable Optical Cells for Bioprocessing, Addressing Contamination Concerns

South Fork Instruments has unveiled a line of disposable optical measurement cells designed to revolutionize bioprocessing applications by eliminating cross-contamination risks. This development addresses a critical need in the bioprocessing industry, where maintaining sterile conditions and precise measurements are paramount to product quality and safety.

The Kemtrak disposable optical measurement cells, now available through South Fork Instruments, are specifically engineered for use in chromatographic separation, filtration, and protein concentration monitoring. These single-use cells feature a zero dead volume design and offer optical path lengths ranging from 0.5mm to 10mm, enabling measurements across an impressive range of 4.5 to 90 OD (Optical Density).

Manufactured from medical-grade poly-phenylsulfone (PPSU), the cells meet the stringent USP Class VI and FDA requirements for bioprocessing applications. This compliance ensures their suitability for use in highly regulated pharmaceutical and biotechnology production environments.

John Daly, Technical Director at South Fork Instruments, emphasized the industry's growing demand for flexible, contamination-free measurement solutions. "These disposable cells deliver exceptional measurement precision while eliminating cleaning validation requirements and cross-contamination risks," Daly stated, highlighting the dual benefits of accuracy and safety.

The versatility of these cells is evident in their accommodation of line sizes from 1/8" to 1", featuring ready-to-attach hose barb connections. This range supports applications from small-scale discovery to full-scale production, making the cells adaptable to various stages of bioprocessing development and manufacturing.

A notable feature of the cells is their quick-release mechanism, which ensures precise positioning in the optical path for consistent and reliable measurements. This design aspect addresses the critical need for accuracy in bioprocessing, where even minor variations can have significant impacts on product quality and process efficiency.

The introduction of these disposable optical cells represents a significant advancement in bioprocessing technology. By eliminating the need for cleaning and revalidation between uses, these cells can potentially reduce downtime, increase throughput, and minimize the risk of batch contamination. This is particularly crucial in the production of biopharmaceuticals, where contamination can lead to costly product losses and delays.

Furthermore, the single-use nature of these cells aligns with the growing trend in the biopharmaceutical industry towards disposable technologies. This shift is driven by the need for greater flexibility in manufacturing processes, reduced risk of cross-contamination, and lower capital investment in fixed equipment.

The impact of this technology extends beyond operational efficiency. In an industry where product purity and patient safety are paramount, the elimination of cross-contamination risks can contribute to higher quality standards and potentially faster regulatory approvals for new biopharmaceutical products.

As the bioprocessing industry continues to evolve, with a focus on developing more complex biologics and personalized medicines, the demand for flexible, reliable, and contamination-free measurement solutions is likely to grow. South Fork Instruments' introduction of these disposable optical cells positions the company at the forefront of addressing this industry need.

The availability of these Kemtrak disposable optical measurement cells through South Fork Instruments marks a significant step forward in bioprocessing technology. As the industry continues to seek ways to improve efficiency, reduce risks, and maintain the highest standards of product quality, innovations like these single-use measurement cells are likely to play an increasingly important role in shaping the future of biopharmaceutical manufacturing.