Hamilton Incyte Arc Viable Cell Density Sensor

The Hamilton Incyte Arc monitors viable cell density (VCD) in real time by permittivity (dielectric spectroscopy) measurement. It removes the waiting time of off-line sampling, carries an integrated micro-transmitter with Arc digital output, and is autoclavable and compatible with CIP and SIP. As one of Hamilton’s distributors in Turkey, Mikron Proses (Üsküdar, Istanbul) supplies Incyte Arc sensors and provides application consulting on sensor selection and ArcAir integration.

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For the comparison with the optical Dencytee sensor and the single-use InCyte line, see the InCyte and Dencytee cell density sensors page.

Why permittivity?

Permittivity measurement detects only viable cells with an intact cell membrane. Dead cells, cell debris and microcarriers do not contribute to the permittivity measurement, which gives an independent measurement of viable cell density within a culture and is not influenced by media composition. Permittivity is directly proportional to viable cell biovolume, which correlates to viable cell density in many applications. The sensor performs in many mammalian, insect, bacterial and fungal systems, depending on the cell concentration at inoculation.

Measuring ranges

Measurement parameter	Measurement range
Permittivity	0 to 700 pF/cm
Animal cells	5 x 10^5 to 8 x 10^9 cells/mL
Bacteria and yeast	5 to 200 g/L

The sensor scans permittivity at 17 different frequencies between 0.3 and 10 MHz. Configuration and calibration are done in ArcAir; see the Arc peripherals and ArcAir page. Other bioreactor sensors on the same platform include the GlucoSense glucose sensor, the CO2NTROL dissolved CO2 sensor and the EasyFerm Plus pH sensors.

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Which shaft length fits your bioreactor depends on the port and the immersion depth. Tell us about your bioreactor and we will help you select the right model.