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— Biotech & fermentation application

Optical measurements for dense and complex cultures.

From high-density optical measurements to full-spectrum process monitoring and particle characterization, Spec-Imaging is developing measurement approaches for turbid bioprocess samples.

Discuss your applicationSee the four paths →
IC-COLOR™
~600 nm — application development
IC-SPECTRO™
Full-spectrum bioprocess monitoring
IC-PARTICLE™
Particle / cell / aggregate sizing
IC-VIS™
Portable visible-absorbance assays
— Four measurement pathways

Four different signals, four different roles.

Application development
01 · HIGH OPTICAL DENSITY

IC-COLOR™

An application-specific configuration around 600 nm is being evaluated for dense, high-cell-density cultures.

Extended optical rangeReduced dilutionRapid benchtop measurement
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Platform capability
02 · FULL-SPECTRUM MONITORING

IC-SPECTRO™

Continuous full UV-Vis spectral information for fermentation progression and process-phase changes.

Spectral fingerprintsProcess-phase changesMedia / product transitions
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Benchtop + Online · 2027
03 · PARTICLES, CELLS & AGGREGATES

IC-PARTICLE™

Particle-size distributions, aggregates and cell-related size measurements where optical conditions permit.

Formulation studiesSuspension studiesProcess development
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Platform capability
04 · PORTABLE ASSAYS

IC-VIS™

Portable visible-absorbance and colorimetric measurements for defined biotech methods.

Reagent-based assaysProgrammed methodsAt-line measurement
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— High optical density

Measure dense cultures without constant dilution.

Application development

Conventional OD600 measurements often require dilution as cultures become optically dense. An IC-COLOR™ configuration around 600 nm is being evaluated for extending the directly measurable range while accounting for the strong scattering present in cell cultures.

Substantially extended optical rangeReduced manual dilutionRapid benchtop / at-line measurementHighly turbid / high-cell-density samplesStandard optical workflow, where appropriate
CONVENTIONAL HIGH-OD CULTURE
Culture
→ OD too high
→ dilute
→ measure
→ apply dilution factor
IC-COLOR™ ~600 nm
Dense culture
→ direct measurement over an extended optical range
→ result / calibrated biomass indicator

Application concept / under validation

IC-COLOR™'s demonstrated ~0.3–50 A420 performance applies to the current 420 nm sugar-color configuration in a 10 mm cuvette. IC-COLOR™'s high-dynamic-range architecture makes high-density measurements around 600 nm an interesting application-development area, but this range has not itself been demonstrated at 600 nm.

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— Full-spectrum bioprocess monitoring

When the whole spectrum contains the process information.

IC-SPECTRO™ reads full UV-Vis spectral information continuously in the process, for use directly or as input to application-specific models.

Full UV-Vis spectral process monitoringSpectral fingerprintsFermentation progressionProcess-phase changesMedia / product transitionsApplication-specific soft sensorsDeviations from normal process behaviour

Directly measured: UV-Vis spectral information. Model-derived, where validated per organism and process: bioprocess soft-sensor indicators. Direct measurement of glucose, biomass, metabolite or product concentration is not claimed.

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Particles, cells & aggregates

Particle, cell and aggregate information.

Particle-size distributions, aggregates and cell-related size measurements where optical conditions permit — supporting formulation and suspension studies, and process development.

Potential / application evaluation — not every cell type can currently be sized accurately. Platform: Benchtop + Online, available 2027.

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Portable assays

Portable visible-absorbance measurements.

Application-specific visible absorbance and reagent-based / colorimetric assays, using preprogrammed or programmable methods — in the lab, at-line or around the process.

IC-VIS™ is not an OD600 instrument. Its relevant wavelength is 610 nm — one of its four preset wavelengths — and a 610 nm reading is not automatically equivalent to conventional OD600.

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What do you need to follow in your culture?

Tell us the organism or sample type, expected optical density, current reference method and whether you need benchtop, at-line or continuous process measurement. We can evaluate the most suitable optical approach.

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