Biochemistry applications and research - Life Science

Instruments used in the Biochemistry Industry

The controlled flow of Supercritical CO2 has been used as a green, efficient and non-biocidal solvent within the creation of scaffolds used within biochemical research. The pore spaces within the scaffold are used to support the cells or tissue being cultivated with the sizing and spacing of these pores being crucial. Equally important is the fact that the former presence of scCO2 does not interfere with cell growth – a draw-back of traditional solvents. Such cell/tissue cultures also benefit from a controlled or modified atmosphere especially when precise humidification is required.

Biochemistry labs and pilot facilities across the UK and Ireland demand precise, cleanable, and easily auditable control of gases, liquids, and utilities—from incubator atmospheres and bioreactor sparging to UF/DF back pressure and WFI/PUW verification. The technologies below focus on hygienic design (ASME BPE/USP Class VI where applicable), rapid integration with PLC/BMS systems, and non intrusive options that reduce downtime.

Below are some examples of typical applications where we succeed:

Typical applications

Bioreactor gas control and sparging

Stable, responsive control of O₂, CO₂, N₂ and air is central to reproducible cell growth and media conditioning. Bioreactors typically require wide turndown to support seed, growth and production phases without hardware swaps. Materials compatibility (316L/USP Class VI) and resistance to in line moisture support hygienic use and washdowns. Digital protocols simplify integration with Pharma 4.0 initiatives and PAT. Fast step response reduces DO/CO₂ overshoot and shortens stabilisation time after set point changes. Multi gas capability helps R&D groups standardise instrumentation while retaining flexibility across projects.

Relevant products:

Alicat BIO Series Mass Flow Controllers - Designed specifically for bioprocessing with 10,000:1 controllable range, 316L/USP Class VI elastomers, moisture tolerant construction, and optional IP66; supports common industrial protocols for seamless PLC/SCADA integration.

Key benefits:

10,000:1 control range - one device spans seed to production flows.
316L & USP Class VI elastomers - hygienic compliance for upstream use.
Digital comms and “Drive Display” options - real time visibility and control health.

Supercritical CO₂ processing for scaffold formation

Supercritical CO₂ (scCO₂) offers a green, non biocidal solvent route to create porous scaffolds with precise pore structures, supporting tissue and cell based research. Maintaining consistent pressure and temperature as CO₂ passes through critical points is essential for reproducible scaffold morphology. Back pressure control at the unit outlet stabilises density and solvation behaviour. The valve must tolerate high pressures/temperatures and mixed phases. Rapid set point changes should settle without hysteresis to protect sample integrity. Robust, cleanable construction helps labs move from feasibility to pilot scale.

Relevant products:

Equilibar Supercritical BR Series Back Pressure Regulators -
Key benefits:
- Multi orifice, frictionless operation → precise control with low hysteresis on scCO₂.
- Broad material options & high pressure capability → fit volatile scCO₂ regimes.

Media and buffer preparation & sterile transfer

Buffer/media make up must achieve accurate ratios, low shear, and validated hygiene. Dose steps and ramps should be repeatable, and wetted materials must suit caustics, acids, and sanitants. Self draining, electropolished valves minimise hold up, while programmable pumps enable repeatable recipe cycles with back suction to prevent drip. Integration to PLCs with analog/RS 485 control simplifies interlocks (e.g., level/weight permissives). Fast tubing changeover and multi channel options help R&D and pilot teams adapt quickly without complex CIP tooling.

Relevant products:

Steriflow Mark 978JD Sanitary Control Valve - ASME BPE compliant, self draining layouts, electropolished 316L internals and Jorlon® diaphragm with lifetime warranty for hygienic, precise buffer control.
Longer L600 1F Intelligent Peristaltic Pump - Touchscreen programmable transfer/dispense with multi step logic (ramp/loop/trigger), wide flow range, and multi channel head choices for automated recipe execution.
Key benefits:
- 978JD: Self draining, no guiding in wetted area - less particulate generation & easier SIP/CIP.
- 978JD: Jorlon diaphragm & polished finishes - hygienic durability and tight control.
- L600 1F: Programmable sequences + RS 485/analogue I/O - repeatable, automated dosing.

Aseptic filling and precision micro dosing

Final fill and micro dosing steps require sub percent accuracy, low pulsation, and clean, compact hardware for isolators/RABS or benchtop automation. Valveless architectures minimise wear parts and drift, improving repeatability across long campaigns. Chemical inert wetted paths enable compatibility with buffers, enzymes and solvents. Fast response helps synchronise with vision or check weigh controls. Low maintenance reduces downtime and simplifies validation.

Relevant products:

FMI (Fluid Metering) FENYX® Variable Dispense Pump - Valveless, ceramic internals with sub µL capability, ±1% accuracy (≤0.5% CV), and single pump handling prime/dispense/flush; compact NEMA stepper options support OEM or benchtop use.
Key benefits:
- One moving part valveless design - drift free precision and low maintenance.
- Wide dispense range with sub µL non contact options - suits high value fills.

Chromatography/column outlet back pressure control

Chromatography columns often benefit from stable outlet back pressure to improve peak shape and reproducibility, especially at low flows or with viscous buffers. Conventional spring BPRs can suffer from stiction and hysteresis, causing unstable pressure and retention time shifts. A frictionless, pilot operated BPR maintains set point with high resolution over wide turndown, even for mixed phases. Minimal dead volume and small port sizes suit lab scale skids.

Relevant products:

Equilibar Research Series Back Pressure Regulators - Low flow (1/16″–¼″) regulators with dome loaded, multi orifice diaphragms for precise upstream pressure control and negligible hysteresis; configurable for corrosive media and elevated temperatures.
Key benefits:
- Ultra stable control at very low flows → consistent retention and peak symmetry.
- Broad materials & temperature options → compatibility from aqueous buffers to solvents.

Tangential flow filtration (UF/DF) back pressure control

UF/DF steps require tight trans membrane pressure (TMP) control to protect product quality and optimise flux. Single use systems increasingly demand sterile, disposable components with clean, scalable control. Fast changes in permeate/retentate flows should not disturb set points. The BPR should present minimal hold up and be easy to automate with an electronic pilot.

Relevant products:

Equilibar Biopharmaceutical SD Single Use - USP Class VI polymer flow paths with 316 SS support housing; sterilizable and disposable, with 1:1 pilot operation for precise back pressure on single use UF/DF and TFF skids.
Key benefits:
- Single use, sterilizable internals - simplifies validation and changeover.
- Negligible hysteresis & fast response - tight TMP control under changing flows.

Clean steam pressure control for SIP/CIP

SIP/CIP reliability depends on stable clean steam pressure to maintain temperature profiles and sterilisation lethality. Sanitary construction, self draining geometries and CIP/SIP compatibility are mandatory. Regulators must withstand frequent cycles and provide repeatable set point control. Documentation (materials, surface finish) supports QA audits. Remote set point options allow automated recipe control.

Relevant products:

Steriflow Mark 96 Series Sanitary Pressure Regulators - Bio pharma sanitary PRVs with Jorlon diaphragm options, FDA/USP compliant materials, and configurations for clean steam and utilities.
Key benefits:
- Hygienic regulator family for clean steam/utility lines - SIP/CIP ready.
- Jorlon diaphragm & traceable documentation - durability and audit support.

WFI/PUW distribution flow verification (non intrusive)

WFI/PUW loops require continuous verification without breaching sterile boundary or causing pressure losses. Clamp on ultrasonic meters allow retrofit on live systems, support energy calculations for heat sanitisation loops, and integrate to BMS with standard protocols. No moving parts reduce maintenance and risk of contamination. Suitable transducer sets cover small risers to large mains.

Relevant products:

Dynasonics TFX 5000 Clamp On Ultrasonic Flow Meter : Permanent, non intrusive flow/energy metering for clean liquids with Modbus/BACnet/EtherNet IP and onboard logging; ATEX/IECEx options available.
Key benefits:
- Clamp on install - no pipe cutting, no contamination risk, no downtime.
- Energy model with dual RTDs - heat sanitisation energy balance.

High purity/calibration gas delivery to analytical instruments

Analytical methods (GC, ELSD, MS interfaces, glovebox sensors) require stable, low leakage UHP gas delivery. Two stage cylinder regulators minimise outlet drift as bottles deplete. Electropolished 316L, UHP seats/diaphragms and metal face seal ends reduce adsorption and permeation. Availability of low range outlet options helps protect instruments. Clean room assembly and oxygen cleaning support GMP labs.

Relevant products:

Drastar 2200 Series - Two Stage UHP Cylinder Regulators - Electropolished 316L/316L VAR, metal face seal connections, finishes to 5–25 Ra, outlet ranges up to 15 bar; built in class 100/10 clean rooms for UHP service.
Key benefits:
- Two stage stability - consistent calibration gas delivery over cylinder life.
- UHP build (EP, low Ra, metal face-seal) - reduced contamination and leakage risk.

Lab scale reactor pressure/vacuum control and sampling

Small reactors and bench pressure vessels need smooth, accurate vacuum and slight positive control for degassing, headspace control, and sampling under controlled pressure. Traditional valves can exhibit stiction, making fine control difficult and causing oscillation. A precision vacuum regulator with a frictionless diaphragm improves set point stability across varying load and flow. Materials flexibility (PVC/316L/PTFE) enables compatibility from air to corrosives.

Relevant products:

Equilibar EVR Precision Vacuum Regulators : Dome loaded, multi orifice vacuum regulators delivering high resolution, frictionless control from ¼″ to 4″, in polymer or stainless bodies; manual or electronic pilot options.
Key benefits:
- Frictionless diaphragm - stable vacuum without hunting or hysteresis.
- Broad size/material choices - fit benchtop to pilot manifolds.

Leak testing and validation of gas distribution lines

Routine leak checks and flow validations help maintain safety, reduce waste and support change control documentation. A portable, battery powered meter lets engineers verify lines, mass flow set ups and small leaks without installing permanent hardware. Multi gas capability simplifies use across different carriers and test gases. On board logging and USB/Bluetooth connectivity accelerate reporting.

Relevant products:

Alicat MB Series Portable Mass Flow Meter - Field ready, battery powered meter with up to 18 hour runtime, ±0.6% (up to ±0.5%) accuracy, 10,000:1 turndown, and 98+ pre loaded gases; ideal for rapid validation and evidence capture.
Key benefits:
- Portable, long life battery - verify lines without power or downtime.
- Multi variable readouts + logging via USB - fast, traceable documentation.

Controlled atmosphere & gas blending for incubators/gloveboxes

Incubators, gloveboxes and sensor test rigs benefit from precise, programmable gas ratios with fast response to set point changes. Repeatable blend accuracy reduces waste and improves experimental consistency. Remote access and data logging simplify audit trails and R&D method development. The system should scale from benchtop SCCM levels to high flow box purges.

Relevant products:

Fusion Flow MXM Precision Gas Mixer - Up to 10 channels, ±0.6% mixture accuracy with ~25ms response; supports 200SCCM to 50,000SLPM, touchscreen HMI, remote access and logging.
Key benefits:
- High accuracy, fast response blending - stable atmospheres with minimal waste.
- Very wide flow range & channel count - single platform from benchtop to purge.

Application Selection Guide

Application	Recommended Technologies	Why It Helps
Bioreactor gas control & sparging	Alicat BIO Series MFCs	10,000:1 control, 316L/USP VI, moisture tolerant; rapid integration and stable DO/CO₂ control.
Supercritical CO₂ scaffolds	Equilibar Supercritical BR BPRs	Frictionless, high pressure control with minimal hysteresis in scCO₂ regimes.
Media/buffer prep & transfer	Steriflow 978JD; Longer L600 1F	Hygienic, self draining valve; programmable dispensing/transfer with PLC connectivity.
Aseptic filling & micro dosing	FMI FENYX®	Valveless ceramic internals for repeatable sub µL to mL dosing with low maintenance.
Chromatography outlet BPR	Equilibar Research Series	Ultra stable back pressure at very low flows; broad materials/temperature options.
UF/DF (TFF) BPR	Equilibar Biopharm SD (single use)	Sterilizable disposable flow path with fast response for tight TMP control.
Clean steam (SIP/CIP) PRV	Steriflow Mark 96	Sanitary pressure regulation with Jorlon diaphragm and full documentation.
WFI/PUW verification	Dynasonics TFX 5000	Non intrusive clamp on flow/energy metering; no contamination or downtime.
UHP/calibration gas lines	Drastar 2200 UHP	Two stage stability; EP 316L/VAR with metal face seal connections for low leakage.
Controlled atmospheres	Fusion Flow MXM	±0.6% accuracy, 25ms response; 200 SCCM–50,000 SLPM and up to 10 channels
Lab vacuum/pressure control	Equilibar EVR	High resolution, frictionless vacuum regulation across sizes and materials
Leak testing & validation	Alicat MB Portable	Battery operation, multi gas library, and on board logging for quick audits