Nova Biomedical Collaborates with Flownamics to Enable Online Automation of Cell Culture Sampling with BioProfile FLEX2 and Seg-Flow Online Autosampler

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 15, 2017
Contact: Matthew McRae
781) 647-3700 ext. 446
mmcrae@novabio.com

Nova Biomedical collaborates with Flownamics to Enable, Online Automation of Cell Culture Sampling with BioProfile FLEX2 and Seg-Flow Online Autosampler

Waltham, MA –Nova Biomedical, in collaboration with Flownamics Corporation, is pleased to announce an online automation solution for cell culture sampling and comprehensive analysis for bench-scale bioreactor cultures. Nova’s BioProfile FLEX2, with 16 key cell culture tests and maintenance-free sensors, can now be paired with the Flownamics Seg-Flow Online Autosampler, enabling completely automated online sampling from up to eight bioreactor cultures.

BioProfile FLEX2’s innovative design provides comprehensive analysis of 16 key cell culture chemistries, including Gluc, Lac, Gln, Glu, NH4+, Na+, K+, Ca++, pH, pCO2, pO2, Osmolality by freezing point depression, and Total and Viable Cell Density and Viability by trypan blue dye exclusion method. The full panel of tests can be run in under four minutes with just 265 microliters of sample, and users can select manual sampling or from two modes of batch sampling: 96-well plates or the built-in 24-position tray.

BioProfile FLEX2’s maintenance-free sensor technology comprises two credit card-sized MicroSensor cards, each with a minimum 14-day use life and capacity for greater than 500 samples. FLEX2 reagent cartridges and MicroSensor cards incorporate RFID technology for simple, snap-in replacement with no additional user input. BioProfile FLEX2’s reagent cartridges combined with maintenance-free MicroSensor Card technology reduce maintenance to just minutes per week.

The Seg-Flow technology allows for rapid and accurate sampling for up to 8 vessels in combination with two independent feed control strategies per vessel. The collaboration between Flownamics and Nova Biomedical allows off-line and at-line data to seamlessly integrate into a multi-functional on-line Process Analytical Technology (PAT) tool through the Seg-Flow system’s communication interface. This software simultaneously acquires all FLEX2 data and can export the data to any Open Platform Communications (OPC)-enabled supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) for enhanced process monitoring and control.

“We at Nova Biomedical are extremely excited to work with Flownamics to provide online automation to our customers with BioProfile FLEX2. The demand for automation is growing every year and with the recent launch of our newest and most advanced cell culture analyzer, BioProfile FLEX2, it is important for us to work with companies like Flownamics to provide immediate automated sampling solutions to a growing market need,” said Matthew McRae, Biotechnology Sales Product Line Manager at Nova. “FLEX2 represents the most comprehensive platform for cell culture analysis and is also the most robust and easy-to-use system available today. This new interface adds tremendously to reducing labor, saving costs, and providing the highest quality data possible.” 

Fred Schneider, Director of Sales at Flownamics adds, “We at Flownamics design, create, develop, and manufacture cutting-edge products to improve the bioprocess industry. We collaborate with companies that do the same. Based on their long history of developing and manufacturing state-of-the-art cell culture monitoring analyzers, we are excited to work with Nova Biomedical. Interfacing the Seg-Flow Automated On-line Sampling System with the BioProfile FLEX2 analyzer will improve overall bioprocess performance.”

About Nova Biomedical
Incorporated in 1976 and based in Waltham, MA, Nova Biomedical is a world leader in the development and manufacturing of state-of-the-art, whole blood, point-of-care and critical care analyzers, as well as providing the biotechnology industry with the most advanced instruments for cell culture monitoring. Nova is one of the fastest growing in vitro diagnostic companies in the world. Nova’s biosensor technology is incorporated in products ranging from handheld meters for glucose self- and point-of-care testing to critical care whole blood analyzers designed for rapid measurement of over 20 analytes. Nova’s biotechnology-specific BioProfile line has pioneered comprehensive cell culture testing, providing over 20 critical cell culture tests with over 12 unique instrument offerings for broad range of cell culture applications. Nova employs over 1,100 people worldwide and has wholly owned subsidiaries located in Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Great Britain, Italy, Japan, and Taiwan. Certified by the International Organization for Standardization, Nova has manufacturing operations located in the U.S., Taiwan, and Brazil. www.novabiomedical.com

About Flownamics
Founded in 1995 and based in Madison, WI, Flownamics is the world leader in developing and manufacturing automated sampling and feed control systems to address the growing needs of fermentation and bioreactor operators in the biotechnology industry. Flownamics' focus is to design high quality products that are easy to operate. Our products assist researchers all over the world in developing methods to optimize their fermentation or cell culture process. Our products are utilized in a variety of settings, including labs, pilot plants, and production environments. Our Mission is to be the preferred supplier of bioprocess sampling, automation, and control technologies for the global biotechnology industry. We strive to understand our customers’ needs to provide outstanding service, support, and customized solutions. We design, create, develop, and manufacture cutting-edge products. www.flownamics.com