PhotoSense LLC proposes to develop a Digital Signal Processor (DSP)-based optical chemical sensor for use in bioreactors. The key innovation of the proposed instrument is the DSP measurement and processing schemes which allow for the construction of low power, small footprint, robust and non-invasive optical sensors. Unlike electrochemical or other optical sensors which use analog-based electronics, a DSP-based sensor will achieve higher performance at lower power and smaller size. Modern DSP's are small in size and can replace large networks of analog circuits. Additionally the use of a DSP-based system allows for multivariate temperature compensated measurements not possible with analog-based optical sensors. In Phase I we will design a DSP-based fiberoptic oxygen sensor for bioreactor control. The all solid state sensor will be designed as a self contained card (e.g. 3"x5"x0.5") designed to "plug into" the master control system of a bioreactor. In Phase II the sensor electronics will be integrated into a bioreactor control system and evaluated for use with other chemical species. The improved erformance of the DSP-based sensor will facilitate the development of advanced bioreactors that are proposed for use in the International Space Station (Subtopic 17.03 Molecular Biology and Medical Applications).
Potential Commercial Applications:The Phase I and II efforts will develop fiberoptic based chemical instrumentation for bioreactor/bioprocess control. One of the largest and most appropriate commercial markets for such technology include sensors for municipal and industrial waste water remediation. The current U.S. market for wastewater instrumentation is estimated to be over $300 Million per annum for oxygen, pH and turbidity sensors. For dissolved oxygen sensors alone the U.S. market is approximately $20 Million per annum. Since oxygen sensors are prevalent in waste water remediation and in bioprocess control there is continuing demand for such instrumentation.
