Technology and Applications

Cell-culture chemistry analyzers, also known as biochemistry analyzers, are dedicated instruments used for monitoring, measuring and testing the chemical composition (nutrients, metabolites and electrolytes) and various other parameters of a cell-culture process, including osmolarity, cell viability, cell density, cell diameter, temperature, pH, gaseous exchange and other characteristics of biological samples. These instruments are commonly used for conducting quantitative assessments of mammalian cell culture and microbial fermentation processes.

The common chemical constituents that most biochemistry analyzers test for include glucose, lactate, acetate, glutamine, glutamate, ammonium, sodium, potassium, glycerol, iron, magnesium and calcium. Additionally, these analyzers also assess IgG antibodies or total protein, as well as the presence of dissolved or saturated gases such as oxygen, carbon dioxide and bicarbonates.

In order to achieve this, cell-culture chemistry analyzers usually employ a combination of biosensors, imaging equipment, micro-well plates, fluorescence readers, detectors, data-acquisition units and transmitters. Cell concentration and cell viability are often measured using the trypan blue exclusion method, which employs dyes and other chemicals. These systems often work using reagent cartridges, require only a small volume of sample and have fast analysis times (usually 3–8 min). Some analyzers also provide additional features such as automatic calibration, high-resolution cell imaging and onboard QC systems, as well as offer multiple kits that differ based on the cell sample, in order to provide the user more flexibility and an efficient workflow.

Cell-culture chemistry analyzers have strong applications in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries due to the need for cell-culture–focused research for the purpose of developing drugs and vector-based therapies, respectively. A large number of laboratories in the public sector perform cell culture research, which thereby constitutes an important market due to the affordability of automated analyzers, even for budget-constricted institutions. Demand from the hospital and clinical industry is primarily composed of the need for cell viability studies, along with growing applications in stem cell research and therapy.

Market Snapshot

The market for laboratory-scale cell-culture chemistry analyzers is estimated to be about $48 million in 2017. The market for cell-culture chemistry analyzers is growing moderately, with a forecasted growth rate of more than 4% over the next five years. This market growth can be attributed to growing cell-culture demand, along with instruments’ increasing level of automation and sophistication for real-time monitoring of biomass constituents, which favor high-throughput bioprocessing applications in the biotech and pharmaceutical industries.

Nova Biomedical currently leads the market with its series of fully automated BioProfile Analyzers, which are offered in 6 different models that vary in their capacities to test and measure different parameters. Its cornerstone model, the BioProfile FLEX measures up to 16 cell culture attributes, including cell chemistry, cell density, cell viability, osmolarity and electrolyte content. Roche is another leading vendor in this market, thanks to its Cedex Bio, Cedex Bio HT and Cedex HiRes Analyzers. Other significant vendors include YSI Life Sciences (Xylem), Applikon Biotechnology, Sartorius, Kuhner, m2p-labs and LT Industries.

Cell Culture Analyzers at a Glance:

Leading Suppliers:

• Nova Biomedical
• Roche
• YSI Life Sciences (Xylem)

Largest Markets:

• Biotechnology
• Academia
• Hospital and Clinical

Instrument Cost:

• $10,000–$24,000