ExPro R Series
(PAT Raman Analyzer)

ExPro R Series eliminates manual sampling and enables real-time monitoring of critical cell culture parameters, including lactate, glucose, and viable cell concentration (VCC), directly within bioreactors.
By providing continuous insight into metabolic status, it transforms bioprocess operation from reactive, offline control to proactive fed-batch optimization, helping improve cell viability, productivity, and process consistency.

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Overview – ExPro R Series

Why Buy ExPro R Series?

You’re spending 2-6 hours waiting for sampling results while your cells struggle without nutrients. Batches are inconsistent, and you’re paying $80k/year for analysis that comes too late to help.

ExPro R Series monitors glucose, lactate, and cell count in real-time, automatically adjusting feeding before problems start. Batch variance drops from ±30% to ±5%, batches finish 2 days faster (giving you 3 extra batches/year), and analysis costs fall from $500 to $200 per batch.

Initial investment of $100-140k pays back in 2-3 years through labor savings, reduced costs, and extra revenue. It’s the difference between reactive troubleshooting and proactive control.

Key Benefits

Superior Signal Stability & Data Quality
Enhanced low-noise detection and automatic calibration provide highly reproducible measurements. Consistent spectra from identical samples establish a reliable foundation for accurate quantitative analysis.

Multi-Point Process Monitoring with a Single Base Unit
Monitor up to four reaction vessels or process stages simultaneously using a single platform. Multi-channel capability improves monitoring efficiency while reducing system complexity.

Complete End-to-End Analytics Platform
An integrated workflow from data acquisition (WaveFlow) and preprocessing to model development and real-time prediction (WaveCraft) eliminates the need for external software, simplifying analytical workflows and improving user productivity.

Compact, Modular, Future-Ready Design
A compact design weighing less than 12 kg enables installation in space-constrained process environments, while the modular optical architecture simplifies maintenance and future system expansion.

Seamless Process Integration via OPC UA
The industry-standard OPC UA protocol enables direct connectivity with existing MES, SCADA, and PLC systems, supporting automated data exchange and real-time process monitoring.

Manual Sampling vs ExPro R Series

Real-Time Decision Making

ExPro R Series:

  • Analysis results available within 5 minutes
  • Continuous monitoring of glucose and lactate trends
  • Enables timely feeding adjustments
  • Early detection of metabolic changes

Manual Sampling:

  • 2–6 hour delay before results are available
  • Process conditions change before results are available
  • Limited opportunity for timely process optimization
  • Delayed response to process deviations

Automated Fed-Batch Control

ExPro R Series:

  • Supports automated fed-batch control through real-time process data
  • Enables predefined feeding strategies
  • Continuous process monitoring
  • Improved batch-to-batch consistency

Manual Sampling:

  • Relies on periodic sampling and operator judgment
  • Variable decisions between operators and batches
  • Limited ability to maintain optimal process conditions
  • Higher batch-to-batch variability

Elimination of Sampling Risk

ExPro R Series:

  • Non-invasive inline measurement
  • Eliminates routine manual sampling
  • Minimizes disturbance to the cell culture
  • Consistent measurement conditions

Manual Sampling:

  • Manual sampling required throughout cultivation
  • Repeated sampling introduces contamination risk
  • Sampling may affect culture integrity
  • Sampling variability may affect analytical consistency

Improved Process Understanding (PAT)

ExPro R Series:

  • Continuous real-time process data
  • Complete visibility of metabolic trends
  • Early detection of process deviations
  • Supports PAT and QbD implementation

Manual Sampling:

  • Intermittent measurements at limited time points
  • Incomplete understanding of process dynamics
  • Delayed identification of process changes
  • Limited support for advanced process analytical strategies

Technical Integration

Hardware: Compact Probe in Bioreactor

ExPro-R4 probe:

  • 316L stainless steel → Sterilizable and corrosion-resistant
  • Standard bioreactor port compatibility → Simple installation and broad system compatibility
  • Non-invasive optical measurement → Minimizes disturbance to the cell culture
  • Fiber-optic connection → Remote analyzer installation
  • Multi-channel configuration → Simultaneous monitoring of up to four bioreactors

Software: Real-Time Metabolite Prediction

Model 1: Viable Cell Concentration (VCC)

  • Input: Raman spectrum (100-3600 cm⁻¹)
  • Output: cells/mL (immediate)
  • Accuracy: ±5-10%
  • Signal source: Protein, RNA, lysosome, and other cellular components

Model 2: Glucose Concentration

  • Input: Raman spectrum
  • Output: g/L (immediate)
  • Accuracy: ±0.5 g/L
  • Signal source: C-O and C-C stretching (1000-1200 cm⁻¹)

Model 3: Lactate Concentration

  • Input: Raman spectrum
  • Output: g/L (immediate)
  • Accuracy: ±1 g/L
  • Signal source: C-O and C-H stretching (1300-1450 cm⁻¹)

Model 4: Glutamine/Glutamate (Optional)

  • Input: Raman spectrum
  • Output: mM (immediate)
  • Signal source: Amide I, II (1600-1700 cm⁻¹)

Integration with Bioreactor Control Systems

What is OPC UA?
OPC UA (Open Platform Communications Unified Architecture) is an internationally recognized communication standard for secure and reliable data exchange between industrial instruments and automation systems.

Why is it important?
Real-time analytical data from ExPro R Series can be transmitted directly to the bioreactor control system via OPC UA, eliminating manual data transfer and supporting automated process control based on predefined operating strategies.

System Compatibility
Compatible with OPC UA-enabled bioreactor control systems for seamless integration with existing PLC, SCADA, and MES environments.

ExPro-R4 Probe (in Bioreactor)
↓ (Raman spectra, real-time)
WaveFlow (Data Acquisition)
↓ (Automatic prediction)
WaveCraft (4 Metabolite Models)
↓ (VCC, Glucose, Lactate, Glutamine)
OPC UA Server (ExPro-R4)
↓ (OPC UA Protocol)
Bioreactor Control System (MES/SCADA)
↓ (Fed-batch algorithm)
Bioreactor Actuators
→ Glucose feed pump (automatic)
→ Oxygen supply (automatic)
→ pH control (automatic)
→ Temperature (manual or auto)

FAQ: For Bioreactor User

A: Yes. If the bioreactor has a helical port, installation is possible. Most modern bioreactors (Thermo, Mettler, Sartorius, ATMI) are compatible.

A: No. The probe is non-invasive; using only light signals, it causes no harm to cells.

A: With 20-30 standard samples, a stable model can be built within 2-3 weeks.

A: Yes. It supports OPC UA protocol, compatible with most modern SCADA/MES. Legacy systems may require custom integration.

A: Glucose ±0.5 g/L, Lactate ±1 g/L, VCC ±5-10%—sufficient for practical operations.

A: Probes are replaced every 2-3 years; basic maintenance costs ~$10-15k annually.

Specifications

Common Specifications

Usage

Real-time process monitoring · Reaction tracking · Quality control

Wavelength for Laser

785 nm (532 nm optional)

Spectral Range

100 – 3,600 cm⁻¹

Spectral Resolution

6 cm⁻¹

Detection Type

High-sensitivity TE-cooled CCD / Low-noise signal processing

Cooling Type

2-Stage TEC Active Cooling (–60 °C)

Optical Configuration

Holographic grating + fiber-coupled module

Number of Channels

Supports simultaneous analysis of up to 4 channels

Software

WaveFlow (data acquisition & control) + WaveCraft (modeling & analysis)

Communication Interface

OPC UA

Power Requirements

AC 100 – 240 V / 50 – 60 Hz / < 100 W

Dimensions / Weight

430 (W) × 360 (D) × 160 (H) mm / < 12 kg

Key Features

High-sensitivity, low-noise detection; automatic baseline correction;
real-time modeling; compact industrial design; multi-channel process analysis support

Probe Tube Material

316L stainless steel

Probe Length

220 mm (120 ~ 320 mm customizable)

Outer Diameter

785 nm (532 nm, optional)

Fiber Optic Cable

100 – 3,600 cm⁻¹

Connector

Excitation (FC, 100 um, NA 0.22)
Collection (SMA, 200 um, NA 0.22)

Support

Downloads

  • MRX N1 Leaflet_en_v1.0
    The MRX N1 is a High-Throughput Near-Infrared (HT-NIR) Analyzer designed for rapid and large-scale sample analysis. With 96-well plate compatibility and advanced chemometric modeling, it…
    download
  • MRX N1_Leaflet_kr_v1.0
    MRX N1은 신속하고 대규모 시료 분석을 위해 설계된 고처리량 근적외선(HT-NIR) 분석기입니다. 96웰 플레이트와의 호환성과 첨단 화학 계량 모델링을 통해 빠르고 정확하며 비파괴적인 정량 분석이 가능합니다.
    download

Applications

Troubleshooting

  • How to separate Top cover for New POP series

    How to separate Top cover for New POP series How to separate Top cover for New POP series#TS-PR1151-001 Introduction Procedure
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