Hamilton Unveils Revolutionary GlucoSense: Real-Time Glucose Monitoring for Cell Culture
A Game-Changer for Bioprocessing
Hamilton has just unveiled GlucoSense, a groundbreaking innovation in bioprocess analytics. This cutting-edge technology introduces the world's first reusable, real-time glucose sensor designed for in situ monitoring within mammalian cell culture bioreactors. GlucoSense is set to revolutionize the way glucose is controlled, making it as straightforward as measuring pH or dissolved oxygen.
But here's where it gets exciting: GlucoSense is initially tailored for autoclave workflows, catering to glass and benchtop bioreactors commonly used in R&D and early process development. And Hamilton isn't stopping there—they're already working on the next phase, with a steam-compatible version for steel bioreactors planned for release by 2026, targeting clinical and commercial manufacturing.
Filling a Critical Gap in Bioprocessing
Glucose is a key player in cell metabolism, lactate formation, and cell viability, yet current bioprocesses often rely on infrequent offline or at-line measurements. This can lead to undetected glucose fluctuations, impacting product quality and process stability. GlucoSense addresses this issue head-on by providing continuous, real-time monitoring, ensuring no glucose-related surprises.
The sensor's design is a marvel in itself. It utilizes a compact, PG13.5-compatible optical probe, specifically engineered for cell culture environments. Unlike traditional Raman and NIR systems, GlucoSense is fiber optic-free, allowing for robust sterilization and compatibility with autoclave cycles. The mid-infrared ATR spectroscopy is fine-tuned to glucose, eliminating the need for complex chemometric models.
And here's the part most people miss: a single-use semi-permeable membrane creates a micro-chamber, keeping cells and particulates away from the diamond ATR element. This ingenious design prevents fouling and ensures stable, drift-resistant data over extended cultivation periods.
Performance Validated, Ready for Action
GlucoSense has been thoroughly validated through Hamilton's internal development program and a partnership with the renowned University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland (FHNW). FHNW's fed-batch and perfusion CHO processes confirmed GlucoSense's accuracy and stability under real-world conditions.
In fed-batch experiments, GlucoSense delivered stable glucose profiles for over 130 hours, matching offline reference measurements. In high-density perfusion runs, it provided consistent real-time data, requiring minimal calibrations. This level of performance and ease of use is a game-changer for bioprocessing teams.
Empowering Bioprocessing's Future
With GlucoSense, Hamilton is bridging a significant analytical gap in upstream processing. By offering a scalable, sensor-based solution, they're enabling teams to streamline development, enhance product consistency, and future-proof their facilities for the data-centric biologics manufacturing landscape. As the industry embraces intensified, continuous processing and AI-driven optimization, GlucoSense provides the nutrient data needed to unlock these advancements.
Hamilton's ongoing development of a SIP-compatible version ensures this technology can be seamlessly integrated from R&D to large-scale GMP operations, fostering a more connected and intelligent global bioprocessing ecosystem.
About Hamilton:
Hamilton is a renowned global manufacturer, delivering automated liquid handling workstations, laboratory automation technology, and process analytical sensors. Their product portfolio, driven by innovative design, includes liquid handling platforms, application-specific solutions, small devices, sensors, consumables, and OEM liquid handling offerings. Hamilton's commitment to quality is evident in their state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities in Reno, Nevada, and Bonaduz, Switzerland, and their ISO 9001 certification. With headquarters in Reno, Franklin, and Bonaduz, and offices worldwide, Hamilton is a trusted partner in various scientific fields.
