Rapid glutamine determination

A compact automated system, the YSI analyser from Analytical Technologies provides a cost-effective solution for the rapid on-line monitoring of glutamine during cell culture processing.

Fast and accurate on-line monitoring and measurement of glutamine is essential, as it is a significant energy source in cell cultures and becomes rapidly depleted in non-fed bioreactors. The 2700's biosensor technology comprises two glutamine specific enzymes, glutaminase and L-glutamate oxidase, immobilised between a polycarbonate and cellulose acetate membrane layer.

Glutamine detected in the test sample is oxidised in the presence of glutaminase to produce ammonia and L-glutamate. Following subsequent oxidation to L-glutamate by L-glutamate oxidase, hydrogen peroxide is produced in amounts directly proportional to that of the substrate, and measured by the current generated.

In addition to glutamine, ten other chemistries for the YSI 2700 are available for bioprocessing applications. Highly sensitive, the system can be used as a stand alone analyser or linked to the YSI on-line monitoring system for automatic sampling at pre-programmed intervals. This measures important nutrients and byproducts and immediately controls the replenishment of nutrients while ensuring process sterility.