High-Resolution Optical and Dielectric Methods Monitoring Cells in Bioprocesses

Presented by Michael Butler, PhD, Professor and Principal Investigator, National Institute for Bioprocessing Research and Training (NIBRT) The metabolic state of mammalian cells in a bioprocess can be monitored by high-resolution optical systems or by changes in dielectric properties. Each method can determine a metabolic inflection points just prior to loss of cell viability. Such changes can be observed up to 20h before cells stain with trypan blue. We have established a threshold of cytoplasmic conductivity below which cells cannot be recovered from apoptosis. This point occurs at a time when there are observable changes in the cell membrane that can be detected by high-resolution optics. This early detection of metabolic changes allows dielectrics and high-resolution optics to be offered as a means of monitoring a bioprocess and maintaining cell viability over prolonged time periods.