An in line non-invasive optical system to monitor pH in cell and tissue culture

pH is an important control parameter for maintenance of cell viability and for improving tissue functions during cell and tissue culture. pH monitoring during cell/tissue culture also provides valuable information on cell metabolic processes and living environment. In this study, an on-line, non-invasive pH monitoring system was developed for use during tissue/cell culture in a perfusion system, using an optical method. This device included light sources, light detectors, light guides and a flow cell. Phenol red was used as a pH indicator dye, and the ratio of light intensities at two wavelengths was measured at the same pH value. Low solution volume as low as around 10 μl could be used to detect pH. Compared to the conventional optical methods, this non-contact optical measurement can avoid the contamination of the tip of optical fibre during the long-term monitoring. It provides a possibility to do on-line monitoring and apply feed back control to maintain the culture environment at the desired conditions required for long-term cell/tissue culture.