Finesse Solutions, LLC, Santa Clara, CA, a manufacturer of measurement and control solutions for life science process applications, announced the introduction of an autoclavable optical dissolved oxygen sensor that gives better performance and requires less maintenance than traditional DO sensors currently used in the industry.

“Our new TruDO Optical sensor ushers in next-generation sensor technologies for bioprocess applications,” said Finesse CTO Dr. Mark Selker. Currently available for evaluation, TruDO sensors and accessories will be generally commercially available in January 2009.

A direct replacement for traditional polargraphic DO sensors, TruDO Optical sensors use phase fluorimetry to measure dissolved oxygen. Their optical approach provides three key benefits: faster measurement response time, minimal long-term drift and lower cost. TruDO Optical sensors reduce operating costs because they do not require polarization or electrolyte solution. They also lower capital costs as they do not require a transmitter: they can output a 4 to 20 mA analog or ModBus digital signal directly to the bioreactor controller. Additionally, they can be used as a drop-in replacement for an electrochemical probe, by emulating an output current in nA.to an existing transmitter.

TruDO Optical sensors have a VarioPin connection on a Pg13.5 threaded cap, a 12 mm diameter, and are available in 120 mm, 160 mm, 225 mm, 325 mm and 425 mm lengths. The TruDO Optical family of products will also include cables, housings, replacement optical caps and power converters.

“TruDO Optical enhances our reusable sensor product family and brings new capabilities along with greater ease of use,” Dr. Selker added. “With the recent introduction of TruFluor, an innovative next-generation single-use optical DO sensor, Finesse offers both single-use and reusable DO sensor solutions to the market.”