Mettler-Toledo Process Analytics has released a new webinar intended for pharmaceutical producers involved in biofermentation. The webinar explains how optimal micro-organism growth conditions and consequently higher process yield can be achieved through a programme of dissolved carbon dioxide measurement and control.

In biopharmaceutical operations, it is important that process reliability is high at all times. Central to this aim is timely measurement of analytical parameters. Well known key process parameters include pH, dissolved oxygen, and turbidity. Less recognized but of significant importance in fermentation reactors is carbon dioxide.

Dissolved carbon dioxide levels can be indicative of the quality of cellular metabolism. High levels of CO2 generally equate to high cellular growth; however, if CO2 levels are excessive, they can reach a concentration that is toxic to the micro-organisms. Low CO2 levels lead to a slow growth rate and extended process duration. In-line CO2 measurement systems provide continuous, real-time data on CO2 concentration levels, allowing rapid corrective action when required.

Mettler-Toledo’s on-demand webinar illustrates how dissolved CO2 measurement and control can keep fermentation cultures in their optimal growth range. This consequently increases process yield and efficiency of the fermentation process. The webinar also introduces Mettler-Toledo's InPro 5000i dissolved CO2 sensor, which has been designed specifically for the requirements of the pharmaceutical industry.

Mettler-Toledo’s Process Analytics division develops and manufactures instrumentation and sensors used for process measurement and control, offering measurements of pH, dissolved and gaseous oxygen, dissolved ozone, turbidity, oxygen reduction potential (ORP), resistivity/conductivity, total organic carbon (TOC) and flow.

Mettler-Toledo Process Analytics consists of two business units, Ingold and Thornton, whose products are commonly used in industries like: pharmaceuticals and biotechnology, chemical process and refining industries, brewing, food and beverage production, power and steam generation plants and microelectronics manufacturing.