APPARATUS, METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR RECORDING AT LEAST ONE VARIABLE DURING A BIOLOGICAL/CHEMICAL PROCESS

Abstract

An apparatus, a method and a system for the parallelized recording of at least one variable during a biological/chemical process are disclosed. A matrix, which has at least one container and which can be positioned on a measurement carrier, is provided to accommodate the liquid samples. A measuring unit, which comprises a controllable radiation source for electromagnetic radiation and at least one sensor for detecting electromagnetic radiation, is fixedly disposed in or on the measurement carrier. When at least one matrix with the containers is placed onto the measurement carrier, the respective measuring unit is assigned to the base of each container from the outside. During the measurement by the measuring unit, a movement device is used to move the measurement carrier with a defined radial movement about a fixed axis orthogonal to the gravitational force.

Claims

1. An apparatus for recording at least one variable in a plurality of containers for liquid samples during a biological/chemical process involving liquid samples, comprising: a measurement carrier, arranged to be moved in a X-coordinate direction and in a Y-coordinate direction, in which a plurality of measuring units are arranged, wherein each measuring unit includes at least one controllable radiation source for electromagnetic radiation and at least one sensor for detecting electromagnetic radiation; and a matrix, which defines a plurality of containers having a square cross-sectional shape, wherein each of the containers is defined by a peripheral wall and a base, and wherein the matrix of containers is detachably connected to the measurement carrier such that every container of the matrix has one respective measuring unit in the area of a corner and on the base of one of the containers assigned to it when the matrix is connected to the measurement carrier.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the base of each container of the matrix is configured such that the respective container is permeable to the electromagnetic radiation traveling from the controllable radiation source into the liquid sample and from the liquid sample to at least one sensor.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the peripheral wall of the containers of the matrix is non-transparent to the electromagnetic radiation of the radiation source and the thereby generated scattered light.

4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the radiation source is at least one light-emitting diode, to which an optical system for steering and shaping the electromagnetic radiation is arranged downstream.

5. The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the optical system includes at least one pinhole aperture and one optical lens, wherein the lens collimates the electromagnetic radiation in the liquid sample to form a cylinder.

6. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein at least one sensor is provided with an optical fiber and at least one optical filter, and wherein the radiation source and the optical fiber of the sensor are arranged in the measuring unit at an angle to one another.

7. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein each measurement carrier is provided with an electronics module which is communicatively connected to at least one sensor of each measuring unit, and the electronics module is connected to a base station via a data connection.

8. A method for recording at least one variable in a plurality of containers for liquid samples during a biological/chemical process, wherein the method comprises the following steps: filling at least one container of a matrix comprising a plurality of containers, each of which has a square cross-sectional shape, with the liquid sample; placing the matrix onto a measurement carrier, wherein the one respective measuring unit of the plurality of measuring units in the measurement carrier, which includes at least one controllable radiation source for electromagnetic radiation and at least one sensor for detecting electromagnetic radiation, is permanently assigned to a base of each container of the matrix; moving the measurement carrier in a X-coordinate direction and in a Y-coordinate direction and thereby recording at least one variable during the biological/chemical process in at least one container of the matrix; wherein the movement of the measurement carrier is carried out without interruption and with a defined radial movement about a fixed axis orthogonal to the gravitational force, and wherein, as a result of the movement, a measurement area is formed in the region of a corner in each container of the matrix and, for each filled container, at least one controllable radiation source radiates electromagnetic radiation through the base into the measurement region and at least one sensor detects electromagnetic radiation from the measurement region through the base.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein a beam originating from the radiation source is radiated at an angle through the base into the respective container of the matrix, and wherein an optical fiber of the optical sensor is arranged at an angle to an orthogonal of the base and receives electromagnetic radiation from the liquid sample through the base.

10. The method according to claim 8, wherein a beam originating from the radiation source is radiated at an angle through the base into the respective container of the matrix, and wherein the optical sensor is arranged at an angle to an orthogonal of the base and receives electromagnetic radiation from the liquid sample through the base.

11. The method according to claim 8, wherein the containers of the matrix are measured by means of the measuring units of the measurement carrier assigned to said containers in such a way that the containers are grouped, and the respective measured values from the grouped containers are obtained in a time-offset manner.

12. The method according to claim 8, wherein at least one variable in each container of the matrix is recorded in a defined temporal measurement interval with a measuring frequency of at least 10000 measurement events per second, and wherein the recorded measurement data of at least one variable of each container of the matrix is processed individually according to a mathematical method in a defined temporal measurement interval and converted to a value of the variable which is determined after the beginning of the process.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein the recorded measurement data is transmitted to a base station by means of a data connection.

14. A system for recording at least one variable in a plurality of containers for liquid samples during a biological/chemical process, comprising: a matrix comprising of a plurality of containers which are rigidly connected to one another, wherein each of the containers is defined by a peripheral wall and a base, and each container has a square cross-sectional shape; a plurality of measuring units, which are arranged in a measurement carrier in such a way that, when the matrix is fixedly positioned on the measurement carrier, one respective measuring unit is assigned to the base of each container; an electronics module, which is assigned to the measurement carrier for controlling the measuring unit; a movement device, so that the measurement carrier is moved in a X-coordinate direction and in a Y-coordinate direction with a defined radial movement about a fixed axis orthogonal to the gravitational force; and a base station, which is communicatively connected to the electronics module of each measurement carrier by means of a data connection.

15. The system according to claim 14, wherein the measuring unit includes a controllable radiation source for electromagnetic radiation for radiating said electromagnetic radiation through the base and at least one sensor for detecting the electromagnetic radiation exiting through the base.

16. The system according to claim 14, wherein at least one incubator is provided, in which the movement device and at least one measurement carrier are accommodated.

17. The system according to claim 14, wherein up to ten measurement carriers are held on the movement device, as a result of which an interruption-free, non-invasive and simultaneous measurement on a plurality of containers of a matrix on a plurality of measurement carriers can be implemented.

18. The system according to claim 14, wherein a plurality of measurement carriers are positioned in a plurality of incubators, so that the measurement carriers are subjected to different incubation environments and movements of the movement device.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0055] The invention and its advantages are described in more detail in the following with reference to the attached drawings.

[0056] FIG. 1A shows a schematic side view of a container having a square cross section for a sample, with the associated measuring unit.

[0057] FIG. 1B shows a schematic side view of a container for a sample with the associated measuring unit, wherein, in comparison to FIG. 1A, the view is rotated 90 about the axis.

[0058] FIG. 1C shows a plan view onto the container having a square cross section and the associated measuring unit.

[0059] FIG. 2 shows a plan view onto the container having a square cross-sectional shape, wherein the measurement area is depicted in a corner.

[0060] FIGS. 3A-3B respectively show a cross section through the optical system for collimating the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the radiation source.

[0061] FIG. 4 shows a plan view onto an arrangement of a matrix of a plurality of containers on a measurement carrier.

[0062] FIG. 5A shows a plan view onto an arrangement of a matrix of a plurality of containers which are in rigid connection with the measurement carrier.

[0063] FIG. 5B shows a plan view of an arrangement of the matrix of a plurality of containers on the measurement carrier, wherein the containers are divided into groups.

[0064] FIG. 5C shows a side view of the arrangement of the matrix of a plurality of containers which is rigidly connected to an embodiment of the measurement carrier.

[0065] FIG. 6A shows a plan view onto an arrangement of the matrix of a plurality of containers 1 in rigid connection with one another on a different embodiment of the measurement carrier.

[0066] FIG. 6B shows a sectional view along the section line of the measurement carrier for the matrix of containers identified in FIG. 6A, wherein the measurement carrier is positioned on a movement device.

[0067] FIG. 7A shows a graphic representation of a typical scattered light signal for a cell suspension of constant optical density over a defined time interval, which is characterized by periodically recurring blocks.

[0068] FIG. 7B shows a graphic representation of the size sorting of scattered light signal data from a defined time interval of FIG. 7A.

[0069] FIG. 7C shows a graphic representation of the derivative of the sorted scattered light signal profile of FIG. 7B.

[0070] FIG. 7D shows a graphic representation of the measurement noise of FIG. 7A.

[0071] FIG. 8 shows the arrangement of several microtiter plates with the square containers in an incubator.

[0072] FIG. 9 shows a schematic arrangement of an incubator to a computer, which takes care of the recording and analysis of the measurement results of the substances in the containers of the microtiter plates that are placed in the incubator.

[0073] FIG. 10 shows a flow chart of an embodiment of the method according to the invention.

[0074] The drawings merely show embodiments of how the container(s) according to the invention of the apparatus according to the invention can be configured. The drawings expressly do not represent any restriction of the invention to said embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0075] At the outset, it should be appreciated that like drawing numbers on different drawing views identify identical, or functionally similar, structural elements of the invention. While the present invention is described with respect to what is presently considered to be the preferred aspects, it is to be understood that the invention as claimed is not limited to the disclosed aspects.

[0076] Furthermore, it is understood that this invention is not limited to the particular methodologies, materials and modifications described and as such may, of course, vary. It is also understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention, which is limited only by the appended claims.

[0077] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood to one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Moreover, as used herein, the phrases comprises at least one of and comprising at least one of in combination with a system or element is intended to mean that the system or element includes one or more of the elements listed after the phrase. For example, a device comprising at least one of: a first element; a second element; and, a third element, is intended to be construed as any one of the following structural arrangements: a device comprising a first element; a device comprising a second element; a device comprising a third element; a device comprising a first element and a second element; a device comprising a first element and a third element; a device comprising a first element, a second element and a third element; or, a device comprising a second element and a third element. A similar interpretation is intended when the phrase used in at least one of: is used herein. Furthermore, as used herein, and/or is intended to mean a grammatical conjunction used to indicate that one or more of the elements or conditions recited may be included or occur. For example, a device comprising a first element, a second element and/or a third element, is intended to be construed as any one of the following structural arrangements: a device comprising a first element; a device comprising a second element; a device comprising a third element; a device comprising a first element and a second element; a device comprising a first element and a third element; a device comprising a first element, a second element and a third element; or, a device comprising a second element and a third element.

[0078] Although any methods, devices or materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the invention, the preferred methods, devices, and materials are now described.

[0079] FIG. 1A shows a schematic side view of the design of a container 1, as configured in a matrix 1M (see FIG. 5), for a sample 2 with a measuring unit 10 associated with the container 1. According to one possible embodiment, a plurality of said container 1 can be consolidated to form the matrix 1M, wherein the matrix 1M can be fixedly and rigidly attached to a measurement carrier 22 (see FIG. 5C or 6B). A fluid medium or a liquid, which is present in the form of a solution, an emulsion or a suspension, for example, should be considered to be the sample 2. The sample 2 can also be a fluid medium in which microorganisms are developing. The container 1 is defined by a peripheral wall 3 and a base 5. Across from the base 5, the container 1 has an opening 4, through which the sample 2 can be filled into the container 1. The opening 4 of the container 1 can, if necessary, be closed with a cover 6. The base 5 is designed in such a way that, for both directions R orthogonal to the base 5 or a bottom surface 5F, it is permeable to electromagnetic radiation (light) that is used for illumination and detection. At least one measurement on the sample 2 serves to obtain information by means of an optical method, wherein the determination of at least one variable (such as, for example, turbidity, biomass or cell concentration) takes place during an uninterrupted, defined, radial movement of the container 1 about a fixed axis A orthogonal to the gravitational force. The radius of the movement can be between 1-50 mm. The frequency of the movement can be between 0-600 revolutions per minute (rpm).

[0080] For illumination and detection, one measuring unit 10 is assigned to each base 5 outside of each container 1 of the matrix 1M. The measuring unit 10 comprises at least one controllable radiation source 11 and at least one sensor 12 for determining at least one variable of the sample 2 in the container 1. The radiation source 11 comprises a light-emitting diode 26, for example, to which an optical system 13 for steering, shaping and transmitting electromagnetic radiation with a defined wavelength is assigned. The beam 11S is collimated by the optical system 13 in such a way that a light cylinder 27 is produced in the sample 2.

[0081] According to one possible embodiment, the wavelength is 600-900 nm. The beam 11S of the radiation source 11 is directed into the respective associated container 1 at a defined angle 14. The defined angle 14 between the beam 11S or the optical axis oA of the radiation source 11 and the orthogonal O to the base 5 is between 30-45. The defined angle 14 is preferably between 36-42. The sensor 12 is coupled to an optical fiber 15 and at least one optical filter 16.

[0082] As schematically shown in FIG. 1B, the sensor 12 is arranged at a defined angle 19 with respect to the base 5 of the container 1. The angle 19 between the orthogonal O to the base 5 and the optical fiber 15 of the sensor 12, or the optical axis oA thereof, is set between 25-30. The angle 19 is preferably 29.

[0083] The container 1, and therefore the entire matrix 1M, is moved in a defined manner. The determination of at least one variable of a sample 2 in a container 1 takes place during an uninterrupted, defined, radial movement of the container 1, i.e. the matrix 1M, about a fixed axis A orthogonal to the gravitational force S.

[0084] FIG. 1B shows a schematic side view of a container 1 for a sample 2 with the associated measuring unit 10, wherein, in comparison to FIG. 1A, the view is rotated 90 about the axis A.

[0085] As an example, FIG. 1C shows a plan view onto a container 1 of the matrix 1 with the associated measuring unit 10. The container 1 has a square cross section. The square cross-sectional shape described here should not be construed as a limitation of the invention. The measuring unit 10 is associated with the container 1 under the base 5 of the container 1. The measuring unit 10 is disposed in or on a measurement carrier 22 not depicted here. The matrix 1M with the containers 1 is placed onto the measurement carrier 22 in such a way that at least one radiation source 11 and at least one sensor 12 of the measuring unit 10 are assigned to each base 5 of the containers 1 of the matrix 1M.

[0086] As shown in FIG. 1C, the shaking movement of the matrix of containers 1 always results in an accumulation of the liquid sample 2 in one corner 7 (meeting of two walls 3 at a specific angle) of the container 1. In the embodiment shown here, the measuring unit 10 is fixedly installed in the measurement carrier 22 in such a way that at least one radiation source 11 and at least one sensor 12 are located in a measurement region 17 on the base 5 of each container 1. In each container 1, the measurement region 17 is positioned in the edge region of the container 1 in which the greatest accumulation of liquid sample 2 is located when the container 1 is shaken.

[0087] In the embodiment shown here, the measuring unit 10 comprises a radiation source 11 and two sensors 12. The optical axis oA of the radiation source 11 and the optical axis oA of the sensor 12 are arranged at a defined angle 29 to one another. The angle is preferably 90. The radiation source 11 and the two sensors 12 are arranged in a common holder (not depicted), which represents the measuring unit 10. This arrangement of the measuring unit 10 ensures that a liquid column that is as high as possible is present above at least one sensor 12 of the measuring unit 10, even in the case of small sample volumes. This is necessary for a reproducible measurement of the scattered light of the sample 2.

[0088] FIG. 2 shows the example of a plan view onto a container 1 of the matrix 1M for a sample 2. In this embodiment, the container 1 is defined by four walls 3 and a base, which produces the square cross-sectional shape. The advantage of the square cross-sectional shape is that the shaking movement of the matrix 1M of the containers 1 results in a uniform structure of the liquid column of the sample 2 in the area of the corners 7 of the containers 1. The measurement region 17 is consequently provided in the area of the one corner 7. Every container 1 can be designed in such a way that at least the measurement region 17 on the base 5 of the container 1 is permeable to the electromagnetic radiation in both directions orthogonal to the base 5. The measurement region 17 of each container 1 is configured in the edge region, in which the liquid column of the sample 2 forms during the shaking movement. One respective measuring unit 10 is permanently assigned to said measurement area 17, when the matrix 1M is mounted on the measurement carrier 22 (see FIG. 4.).

[0089] Even though FIG. 2 describes only the embodiment of the containers 1 with a square cross section, this is not construed as a limitation of the invention. Any type of angular container 1 can be used with the measurement carrier 22 and its measuring units 10. The containers 1 can thus take on a wide variety of implementations of the angular cross-sectional shape. The only requirement is that, when the plurality of containers 1 in the form of the matrix 1M and rigidly connected to one another is shaken, a liquid column suitable for the measurement by the measuring unit 10 forms in the measurement region 17 of each of the containers 1 filled with the sample.

[0090] FIGS. 3A-3B respectively show a cross section through the optical system 13 for collimating the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the radiation source 11. In one embodiment, the radiation source 11 comprises the light-emitting diode 26, which is followed by an optical system 13. The optical system 13 comprises a spacer 71, a pinhole aperture 72, another spacer 73, an optical lens 74 and a spacer 75. The pinhole aperture 72 is used to reduce the specific radiation angle of the light-emitting diode 26. The light cone emanating from the pinhole aperture 72 is focused by the optical lens 74, as a result of which a high depth of focus of the projection is achieved.

[0091] FIG. 4 shows a plan view onto a possible embodiment of an arrangement of a matrix 1M of a plurality of containers 1 on a measurement carrier 22. As shown in FIG. 4, the plurality of containers 1 of the matrix 1E are rigidly connected to one another and separated from one another by the walls 3. In the embodiment of the matrix 1E shown here, the containers 1 are regularly arranged in columns 9 and rows 8. The measuring units 10 are arranged or integrated on the measurement carrier 22. By positioning the matrix on the measurement carrier 22, one respective measuring unit 10 is fixedly assigned to one respective container 1 of the matrix. The containers 1 of the matrix 1M and the measuring units 10 associated with the containers 1 are mechanically immovable relative to one another. In the embodiment shown here, all the containers 1 have a square cross section. According to the embodiment shown here, the matrix 1M on the measurement carrier 22 has twenty-four containers 1. With regard to the size and number of the containers 1 in the matrix 1M, other arrangements are conceivable for a person skilled in the art.

[0092] FIG. 5A shows a plan view onto a further embodiment of the matrix 1M of a plurality of containers 1. Using the measuring units 10 of the measurement carrier 22, the measurements in all the containers 1 of the matrix 1M can be carried out essentially simultaneously. This measuring technique can be implemented when the walls 3 of the respective containers 1 (wells) are not transparent to the wavelength of the electromagnetic radiation of the radiation source 11 and to the scattered light produced thereby on the sample 2. The walls 3 are very simply made of a non-transparent plastic.

[0093] FIG. 5B shows a plan view onto the matrix 1M of a plurality of containers 1 in rigid connection with one another, wherein, in one possible embodiment, the containers 1 are arranged in groups 1.sub.1, 1.sub.2 and 1.sub.3 and the measurement in the groups 1.sub.1, 1.sub.2 and 1.sub.3 is conducted at different times. The number of groups 1.sub.1, 1.sub.2 and 1.sub.3 is not stated as a limitation of the invention. All the containers belonging to one group (1.sub.1, 1.sub.2 or 1.sub.3) are identified by the same hatching. Within the defined group 1.sub.1, 1.sub.2 or 1.sub.3 then, the measurement in the containers 1 is conducted simultaneously, while the successive measurement of different groups takes place with a time delay of less than 2 seconds. This measuring technique is used when, in a matrix arrangement of the containers 1, the walls 3 of said containers are transparent. A transmission of light from one measuring unit 10 to sensors 12 of other measuring units 10 is thereby prevented. The arrangement of the groups 1.sub.1, 1.sub.2 and 1.sub.3 primarily prevents diagonal extraneous coupling.

[0094] FIG. 5C shows a side view of the matrix 1M of the plurality of rigidly connected containers 1 on an embodiment of the measurement carrier 22. The measurement carrier 22 serves to accommodate the matrix 1M of the containers 1 (microbioreactors). In this embodiment, all the containers 1 are covered during the measurement process. The cover 6 is provided with bores 6B. Each container 1 is associated with one bore 6B. The cover 6 is a sterile barrier in the form of a membrane or some other porous, semipermeable layer. The sterile barrier allows the exchange of gas in both directions, by means of which microorganisms are supplied with oxygen, for example, or metabolic products such as CO.sub.2 are removed. The measurement carrier 22 holds the plurality of measuring units 10 at defined positions, which, when the matrix 1M is mounted on the measurement carrier 22, are respectively permanently assigned to the base 5 of every container 1. The measurement carrier 22 further includes an electronics module 24, which is communicatively connected to the measuring units 10. The supply of power to the measuring units 10, the electronics module 24 and the data connection 23 takes place in a manner known in the prior art.

[0095] FIG. 6A shows a plan view of a further embodiment of the matrix 1M of a plurality of containers 1, wherein the matrix 1M is positioned on the measurement carrier 22. An electronics module 24 is additionally configured on the measurement carrier 22, which provides for the supply of electricity to the measuring units 10 and communication to measuring units 10 (within a sensor network) on the measurement carrier 22 via conventionally known connection technologies. A data connection 23 to a base station 30, i.e. computer (see FIG. 9) is provided. In the embodiment described here, the data connection 23 is a wireless communication. Using the communication with the base station 30, i.e. computer (for data processing/data recording), the active containers 1 filled with a sample 2 and at least one measurement carrier of the measurement system can be consolidated to one communicating network of measuring units 10.

[0096] FIG. 6B shows a sectional view along the section line A-A through the measurement carrier 22 and the mounted matrix 1M identified in FIG. 6A. The measurement carrier 22 is positioned on the one movement device 25, so that a defined movement can be imposed on the matrix 1M of the containers 1 fixedly connected to the measurement carrier 22. To measure the sample 2 in the individual containers 1 and to determine at least one variable of the sample 2, an uninterrupted, defined, radial movement of the matrix 1M of the containers 1 about a fixed axis A, orthogonal to the gravitational force, can be carried out from the measurement carrier 22. The movement is at least composed of movement components in X-coordinate direction X and/or Y-coordinate direction Y. On the measurement carrier 22, the measuring units 10 of the measurement carrier 22 are fixedly assigned to the matrix 1M of the individual containers 1 for the determination of at least one variable of the sample 2. The measured values of the measuring units 10 are transmitted to the base station 30 by means of the electronics module 24 or the data connection 23 (see FIG. 9).

[0097] FIG. 7A shows a graphic representation of a typical scattered light signal for a cell suspension of constant optical density, which is characterized by periodically recurring blocks. As a result of the movement of the containers 1 (microbioreactors) about a fixed axis A, unequal distributions of the liquid sample 2 occur in the containers 1 (see FIGS. 1A to 1C). The liquid sample 2 is displaced in the direction of the walls 3 of each container of the matrix 1M by centripetal forces. Assuming high movement frequencies and small sample volumes, fluid distributions can arise, in which larger areas of the base 5 of the container 1 are not covered by liquid and are therefore not suitable for the measurement. Using the continuous measurement of the scattered light at a high measuring frequency of at least 10 kHz, the periodically changing liquid volume of the sample 2 over the measuring unit 10 can be temporally resolved over a defined time period. The typical signal of a cell suspension of constant optical density is characterized by periodically recurring blocks (similar to a square-wave modulation) with areas 80 of low signal deviation over a definable time interval 81, signal peaks 82 in the edge region of the blocks and gaps 83 of low scattered light amplitude. The relevant measurement areas are those created during the movement when the liquid sample 2 passes over the measuring unit 10. In the time interval with the largest liquid volume element above the measuring unit 10, the distance of the water/air interface is statistically the greatest, as a result of which boundary surface reflections strike the measuring unit 10 statistically less frequently, i.e. are attenuated by the optical path within the sample 2, and contribute less to the interference of the scattered light signal. Other interference in the form of continuous measurement noise can be caused by air bubbles, foam and the inhomogeneity of the sample during the movement of the sample 2. Median filters or Savitzky-Golay filters with a defined window width are used to filter the raw signal, i.e. reduce the measurement noise. After prefiltering, relevant measurement areas are selected and extracted using the criteria specified below or a combination of a number of criteria. A small standard deviation of the scattered light signal 85 within a defined time interval (plateaus; region 80) is thus obtained. This also results in a low signal-to-noise ratio relative to the height of the scattered light signal (see FIG. 7D) in the areas 80.

[0098] FIG. 7B shows a graphic representation of the sorting of accumulated measured values of the same scattered light amplitude. In this step, existing measurement noise in the raw signal is reduced by one of the above-specified filter methods. The filtered measurement data of the scattered light amplitude is then accordingly sorted from small to large values. By sorting the accumulated measured values of the same scattered light amplitude, a contiguous interval 86 is formed between S1-S2. S1 and S2 are parameters of the method and can be specified before and during the physical recording of the scattered light, or determined in an automated manner by derivation (see FIG. 7C) of the sorted scattered light signal profile.

[0099] FIG. 7C shows a graphic representation of the derivative of the sorted scattered light signal profile of FIG. 7B. The derivation allows the specification of a threshold (threshold value) for the maximum slope of the sorted scattered light signal profile (curve profile). A contiguous interval 87 with the lowest slope is thus determined. The arithmetic mean of all the measurement data within the interval is subsequently calculated, thereby creating a new measured value for conversion into at least one of the reference parameters OD600, biomass concentration and cell concentration.

[0100] FIG. 7D shows a graphic representation of the measurement noise. Parallel to the physical recording of the scattered light, the existing measurement noise in the raw signal is reduced by one of the filter methods specified above.

[0101] FIG. 8 shows the arrangement of a plurality of measurement carriers 22 in an incubator 40, each of said measurement carriers having one respective matrix 1M of a plurality of containers 1 arranged upon it. In the measurement system shown here, ten measurement carriers 22 (measuring units) with a matrix 1M of twenty-four respective containers 1 for the samples 2 arranged upon it, have been brought into the incubator 40. The continuous, optical measurement and recording of scattered light occurring at the biological material in the individual containers 1 as a result of the irradiation with light can thus be achieved. Using a single measurement carrier 22, an interruption-free, non-invasive and simultaneous measurement can be carried out on the twenty-four containers 1 per measurement carrier 22 during use in incubators 40 in a radial shaking operation for bacterial and mammalian cell cultures. By miniaturizing the measurement carriers 22, up to ten measurement carriers 22 can be arranged and studied at the same time within one shaker/incubation environment. The communication of the individual measuring units 10 associated with the containers 1 of the respective carrier 22 (measuring unit) is controlled by the electronics module 24. The communication of the measuring units 10 takes place via a respective data connection 23, such as a radio link (Bluetooth, WLAN).

[0102] FIG. 9 shows a schematic arrangement of an incubator 40 in connection with a base station or computer 30, which takes care of the recording and analysis of the measurement results of the substances in the containers 1 (microbioreactors). In order to support the processes of interest in a particular study, the measurement carriers 22 with the plurality of containers 1 can be moved within the incubator 40. This is preferably done mechanically. The appropriate, generally known devices are, for example, agitators, shakers or rockers. These devices are commercially available in a variety of embodiments that are able to move a container 1, or even a plurality of containers 1 on a measurement carrier 22 simultaneously in a defined manner. All of these devices can be accommodated in the incubator 40. In order to receive data from the measurement carriers 22 in the incubator 40 and to send control data, for example, from the base station 30 to the incubator 40 itself or to the electronics modules 24 of the carriers 22, the base station 30 is connected to the incubator 40 via a bidirectional communication connection 35.

[0103] According to one preferred embodiment, each measuring unit 10 has a data connection 23, a radio transmitter/receiver, by means of which a local radio network to a permanent central data connection 23Z, likewise a radio transmitter/receiver, is established. Bluetooth or WLAN, for example, can be used for the data transfer technology being employed. In addition, all the measuring units 10 have a device-internal permanent data memory for recording measurement data. The central radio transmitter/receiver is connected to a base station 30 (device for data processing/data recording), such as a computer, e.g. a desktop computer, a notebook computer, a tablet computer or a smart phone, via a data interface 23D.

[0104] FIG. 10 shows a flow chart of the method according to the invention for the parallelized recording of cell and biomass concentrations of cell cultures (liquid sample 2). In a step 61 at the beginning of the method according to the invention, at least one container 1 of a carrier 22 is filled with a liquid sample 2 (the consistency and property of the sample is described sufficiently above). The containers 1 are fixedly arranged on the carrier in columns 9 and rows 8 (in the form of a matrix). The opening 4 of the containers 1 can be closed by a cover 6, so that the liquid sample 2 does not escape from the container 1 during the measuring process.

[0105] In a next step 62, at least one measurement carrier 22 is attached to a movement device 25 in at least one incubator 40, which is communicatively connected to the base station 30. It should be noted that, in another embodiment of the method, it is also possible to not have the incubator.

[0106] In step 63, a measurement process and a shaker/incubation environment are set at the base station 30. The settings are transmitted to at least one measurement carrier 22 and, if appropriate, to at least one incubator 40 (if necessary also to the movement device 25). Without being restricted thereto, possible settings of the measurement process are, for example, the incubation conditions, the radial movement pattern (such as repetition frequency and direction of rotationsince the movement type radial was previously specified), the movement device 25, the control of the radiation source 11, the definition of the measuring frequency for a temporal measurement interval (to generate a measured value, the user has to specify only that a measured value is to be recorded every 10 seconds, for example) or the setting of the wavelength emitted by the radiation source 11.

[0107] In step 64, the movement of at least one carrier 22 by means of its associated movement device 25 is carried out. The determination of a variable of the biological/chemical process is performed during the movement of the carrier 22 according to a defined movement pattern. The movement of the carrier 22 can be carried out, for example, without interruption and with a defined, radial movement about a fixed axis, orthogonal to the gravitational force S.

[0108] In a step 65, which is temporally parallel to step 64, the measuring unit 10 is used to record the measurement data of the liquid and moved sample 2 in at least one container 1. The recording of the measurement data takes place within a defined temporal measurement interval with a defined measuring frequency of at least 10 kHz. In each container 1, in which there is a sample, the measurement data is recorded with the sensor of the measuring unit 10. One measuring unit 10 is permanently assigned to each of the respective containers 1, wherein the measuring units 10 are fixedly arranged on the measurement carrier 22 for the containers 1 (e.g. microtiter plate). The measuring unit 10 comprises the controllable radiation source 11 and at least one sensor 12.

[0109] Finally, in step 66, the recorded measurement data of a variable in at least one container 1 is transmitted. The measurement data is transmitted from the incubator 40 to the base station 30 (or a suitable analysis unit). The value of the variable determined via the analysis process is calculated by means of the base station 30. The variable is, for example, the turbidity and the optical density of liquid samples, as well as in particular the cell density, biomass and cell concentration, pH, O.sub.2 saturation of the liquid and the ambient temperature. To determine the pH or the O.sub.2 saturation of the liquid, sensor pads (not depicted here) are glued into the container. The pH or the O.sub.2 saturation are recorded as an optical response by the sensor 12 associated with the respective container that was previously illuminated by a light source. The relative saturation of dissolved oxygen in the respective sample 2 is regulated by changing the energy input during the movement of the containers 11 or the carrier 22 via the movement pattern of the movement device 10. It is particularly advantageous if the recorded measurement data is transmitted from the incubator 40 to the base station 30 by means of a radio link 23, because this eliminates a cable break as a source of a failure.

[0110] Thus, it is seen that the objects of the present invention are efficiently obtained, although modifications and changes to the invention should be readily apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art, which modifications are intended to be within the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed. It also is understood that the foregoing description is illustrative of the present invention and should not be considered as limiting. Therefore, other embodiments of the present invention are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS

[0111] 1 Container [0112] 1.sub.1, 1.sub.2, 1.sup.3 Group [0113] 1M Matrix [0114] 2 Sample [0115] 3 Wall [0116] 3T Section [0117] 4 Opening [0118] 5 Base [0119] 5F Bottom surface [0120] 6 Cover [0121] 6B Bore [0122] 7 Corner [0123] 8 Line [0124] 9 Column [0125] 10 Measuring unit [0126] 11 Radiation source [0127] 11S Beam [0128] 12 Sensor [0129] 13 Optical system [0130] 14 Angle [0131] 15 Optical fiber [0132] 16 Optical filter [0133] 17 Measurement region [0134] 18 Cross section [0135] 19 Angle [0136] 20 Light [0137] 22 Measurement carrier [0138] 23 Data connection [0139] 23D Data interface [0140] 23Z Central data connection [0141] 24 Electronics module [0142] 25 Movement device [0143] 26 Light-emitting diode [0144] 27 Light cylinder [0145] 29 Angle [0146] 30 Base station [0147] 35 Bidirectional communication connection [0148] 40 Incubator [0149] 50 Signal pattern [0150] 51 Time derivative [0151] 61 Step [0152] 62 Step [0153] 63 Step [0154] 64 Step [0155] 65 Step [0156] 66 Step [0157] 71 Spacer [0158] 72 Pinhole aperture [0159] 73 Spacer [0160] 74 Optical lens [0161] 75 Spacer [0162] 80 Range [0163] 81 Time interval [0164] 82 Signal peak [0165] 83 Gap [0166] 85 Scattered light signal [0167] 86 Interval [0168] 87 Interval [0169] A Axis [0170] A-A Section line [0171] O Orthogonal [0172] oA Optical axis [0173] R Orthogonal direction [0174] S Gravitational force [0175] S.sub.1 Parameter [0176] S.sub.2 Parameter [0177] X X-coordinate direction [0178] Y Y-coordinate direction [0179] Z Z-coordinate direction