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Romsey, UK – 10 November 2009 – Stratophase, a specialist in real-time chemical and biochemical measurement and detection, has collaborated with the Centre for Process Innovation (CPI) to develop an Insertion Probe variant of its unique SpectroSens system. Enabling real-time monitoring of the bioproduction fermentation process, the multi-output SpectroSens Insertion Probes track compositional changes and monitor temperature in the liquid. Multiple discrete readings can be taken simultaneously at numerous locations, providing more reliable measurements and a reduced chance of false positives. As a result, the entire fermentation process can be precisely monitored to ensure excellent reproducibility and clear determination of the desired end-point.

The SpectroSens system sensors can be placed throughout the production process and networked via the control and analysis unit. Using only light at the point of measurement, the sensors are intrinsically safe and spark-free, removing any chances of ignition. The new Insertion Probe fits standard ports for dissolved oxygen (DO) and pH probes, enabling ultra-high resolution, optical microchip technology to be applied to existing benchtop and large-scale bioreactor equipment. Other tried and tested applications of the new SpectroSens Insertion Probe include biofuel production and sustainable polymer development.

Jerry Cooper, Projects Manager of CPI explained the new development saying “Stratophase’s new Insertion Probe allows us to find out more, in real-time, about what is happening in the bioproduction process. This has considerable benefits in terms of improved QC and potentially major cost-savings, offering the prospect of significant improvement over current technologies.” Commenting for Stratophase, Dr Richard Williams, CEO added, “This collaboration with CPI has enabled us to refine what our technology can offer within this industry, and we are delighted to see the successful use of the SpectroSens Insertion Probe system.” The SpectroSens Insertion Probe system is currently being trialled at the UK’s National Industrial Biotechnology Facility (NIBF).

For further information about Stratophase and the SpectroSens system, please visit www.stratophase.com.

About Stratophase:
Stratophase is a VC-funded spin-out from the University of Southampton in the UK. Its unique SpectroSens technology is an optical microchip sensor which measures chemical processes and detects biological targets. This core optical measurement technology can be realised in a vast array of sensing heads, offering a wide variety of system configurations applicable to a broad spectrum of industries including chemical and biochemical production as well as biological detection.

The Stratophase team, guided by CEO Dr Richard Williams, includes the original inventors of the SpectroSens technology as well as senior managers with a many years of industry experience.

About CPI :
The Centre for Process Innovation (CPI) was established by One North East as a UK wide resource to stimulate and drive innovation within the Process Industry. Working with global industry partners and leading research universities CPI is committed to delivering world-class, groundbreaking applied research and development.
www.uk-cpi.com