We recommend an inexpensive hand-held pH/DO probe simulator that checks the functionality of your pH and DO electronics in the bioreactor and the probe cables. It easily pays for itself the first time you avoid an unneeded visit by a member of our repair/service team. Request catalog number P0720-5631. | Back to top

We are having problems with DO probe stability and response. Any suggestions?

Broadley-James recommends the following technique: 1. Disassemble tip. 2. Dab toothpaste onto a moist Kimwipe. 3. Clean the anode first (very important) followed by the cathode. The cathode must look like polished silver. 4. Rinse with copious quantities of DI water. 5. Rinse with electrolyte. 6. Reassemble tip end. 7. So much as a finger print on the anode will decrease probe response. | Back to top

Is supervisory software really necessary for use in our microbiology lab? We have just one fermentor, no programming experience, and prefer to spend our time doing science, not working on computers?

BioCommand™ software was designed to be used by biological scientists with little or no programming ability. Unlike more generic control software BioCommand was designed entirely by NBS for use exclusively with bioreactors and fermentors. This means you can expect minimal set up time, familiar jargon, and features that are appropriate for your application. The software won't waste your time. As far as "do you need it?", if you are not already using supervisory software, it is unlikely that you really "need" all of the features of BioCommand. But, you will surely reap immediate benefit from the automatic data recording feature that eliminates curled-up strip-charts and "human break" data gaps. Also, you will probably find the variety and graphics of computer displays more friendly than the numbers that appear on most fermentor controllers. New BioCommand owners initially shy away from the "programmed fermentation" features until they get comfortable with the software. It is amazing how, in time, the luxury of unattended running over the weekend becomes a necessity. | Back to top

What kind of computer hardware is needed to use BioCommand™ software with my fermentor / bioreactor?

BioCommand requires a common variety, off-the-shelf Windows™ computer. Technically, we specify it as having a Pentium (or higher) class processor with 16 MB (or more) of RAM, but this really translates to "garden variety" computer. One caution: BioCommand does not work with Macintosh™ computers. | Back to top

I see you offer left- and right-hand pitch marine blade impellers. Do I need both, and which way should they be installed?

With marine blade impellers, both a left- and right-hand blade are needed. The right-hand blade provides up flow; the left provides down flow, assuming shaft rotation is clockwise. We recommend positioning the right-hand up-flow blade at the bottom of the shaft, and the left-hand down-flow blade at the top. How to Identify a Right-Hand from a Left-Hand Propeller Viewed from the tip when resting on a flat surface, the blades of a left hand propeller points to the left. Likewise, a right-hand propeller points to the right. | Back to top

How can I sample cells directly in a packed-bed basket bioreactor?

The requirement for sampling cells originates from suspension applications, where operators determine the cell viability and density daily. The basket is operated differently, and optimized for product yield. We measure glucose, lactate, glutamine (if applicable) and ammonia. The glucose consumption rate is the driving force for setting the perfusion rate. At the end of the run, you can sample the cells. | Back to top

Which anti-foams are recommended for use in fermentation?

Our in-house microbiologists report success with the following, though we make no commercial endorsement of these products. For Pichia pastoris, Breox 4701 FMT 30 (by Cognis. In the US, available from Sea-Land Chemical in 1L and larger volumes.) For E coli and other microorganisms, A 5551 (antifoam 289), A 5757 Antifoam B Emulsion, and A 6426 (Antifoam 204 by Mazu), available from Sigma (St. Louis, Missouri) | Back to top

How does 316L stainless steel, (used to make NBS vessels), stand up to use with common chemicals?

316 L stainless steel is extremely corrosion-resistant, and is considered to be the industry standard for manufacture of ASME-coded vessels. However, a variety of bioprocess operating conditions will influence its resistance to chemical solutions, including temperature, chemical concentration, aeration, recirculation, inhibiting or accelerating contaminants, solids in suspension, velocity, frequency of cleaning and equipment design. For further information about the corrosive properties of our specific chemicals, contact us at (800) 631-5417 or (732) 287-1200, ext. 2214. | Back to top

I'm a university professor teaching a class of first and second-year microbiology students. Do you have any materials that would be helpful to my class?

NBS has written two in a series of white papers titled Fundamentals of Fermentation: Techniques for Benchtop Fermentation, covering such topics as media formulation, nutrient addition, as well as preparation, autoclaving and clean up procedures. A second paper entitled Fermentation Basics - E. coli is also available. Both are downloadable from our web site. We can also provide product slides and literature by writing to: NBS Slide Request PO Box 4005 Edison, NJ 08818-4005 | Back to top

Last week we ran out of oxygen in the middle of our run, killing our cells and ruining weeks of preparation. Do you have any suggestions?

Automated gas-alarm systems are available that may be programmed to alert you up to four days before your gas cylinder runs out. NBS offers one such model, catalog number P0440-0340. For further details on any of our wide range of fermentation accessories, contact your local NBS sales representative, or write us with your request. | Back to top

Our lab has a mix of fermentors from several manufacturers. Is there any way to automatically data log and control all the systems using just one software package?

Without question, it is far simpler to maintain just one control system. An analog-to-digital signal converter is available, making it possible to control NBS fermentors with your existing supervisory hardware and software. The system also works in the reverse, allowing NBS' proprietary BioCommand Windows-based software to data log and control NBS and non-NBS equipment through your desktop PC. | Back to top

Which CelliGen 310 bioreactor impeller is best for my application?

To answer that question, select the cell type and application that best fits your needs from the table below: Click here for further information | Back to top

BioFlo 415 Fermentor - how can we do inoculation, addition of medium/base/acid and harvesting?

After vessel sterilization is complete, solutions can be added using a needle to pass liquids through the septum ports located on the vessel headplate. Anything taken out of the vessel can be removed via the sample port, harvest port or drain port. The sample and harvest ports are located on the vessel headplate, while the tank drain valve is located on bottom of the vessel. | Back to top

BioFlo 415 - How many septum ports are available?

There are (3) 12mm single septum ports on the 7L and (4) septum ports on the 14L and 19.5L BioFlo 415 vessels. Each system comes standard with (2) 12mm septum. We offer an optional QMI 7-port septum which attaches to the 19mm port on the headplate. | Back to top

What is the purpose of the QMI 7-port septum?

The QMI septum is a 7-port septum enabling use of 7-septums, compared to the single septum we provide. Additionally, QMI is a validated part, and many customers prefer this compared to the standard septums. | Back to top

Redox - what is it, how is it measured & calibrated?

Redox reactions are defined as reactions in which electrons are transferred. Oxidation and Reduction (Redox) reactions govern the metabolism of biologically important nutrients such as carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen and sulfur. Redox potential is an intensity parameter of overall Redox reaction potential in the system, not the capacity of the system for specific oxidation or reduction reactions. How easily a substance is oxidized or reduced is reflected by the standard potential, E°, of its Redox couple. The measurement of the standard potential is referenced to the Redox couple for hydrogen ion/hydrogen (H+/H2), which is assigned a standard potential of 0 millivolts. The standard potentials of quite a number of Redox couples are tabulated in reference books, along with their half-reactions. The tabulated standard potentials refer to half reactions written as the reduction reaction. Click here for further information | Back to top

Thermowell - my is not performing accurately - what could be the cause?

The thermowell requires addition of some type of conductive liquid, such as a few drops of mineral oil or glyercerine. Tap water may also be used, but DI water is not recommended as it will "pull" the metal ions out of the probe and cause it to pit and corrode the weld. | Back to top

Vessel cleaning -- the spray balls in my sterilizable-in-place vessel don't adequately clean the vessel interior. Is it safe to increase the spray ball pressure?

No. Spray balls are not pressure washers. They are only meant to distribute cleaning agent throughout the vessel. Instead, we recommend you evaluate the type and concentration of your cleaning agent as well as process variables such as exposure time and temperature. | Back to top

We offer a Water Regulator Kit which includes a regulator, gauge and accessories for connecting multiple vessels (up to four, depending on the bioreactor/fermentor system you're using). Order catalog number M1273-5001 for use with any BioFlo/CelliGen 110, 115, 310 or 415. Click here for further information | Back to top