Contactless microwave sensors and their application in biological single use

In bioprocess technology, highly-sensitive robust sensors are required for operation in single use bioreactors (SUB) without direct contact to the fluid under analysis. Measuring the change of dielectric properties (permittivity and conductivity) at microwave frequencies allows the investigation of biological and chemical matter and processes, e.g., cell growth, cell metabolism and the concentration of large aqueous based molecules. This contribution describes a high frequency sensor that combines detection in macro- or microfluidic networks with quick and precise analysis. These kinds of sensors can be installed directly to the outer surface of the culture device (Figure 1) or can be clamped onto tubing (Figure 2). A clamped on sensor consists of a fluidic channel placed between a micro-strip line waveguide combined with resonant properties. Please click Additional Files below to see the full abstract