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Precise Gas Monitoring for Shake Flask Cultivation

Bartels Mikrotechnik and Kuhner shaker developed an innovative solution for precise gas monitoring in shake flask cultivations.

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The Challenge

Accurate real-time measurement of oxygen transfer rate (OTR), carbon dioxide transfer rate (CTR), and respiratory quotient (RQ) in shake flask cultivations was a persistent challenge.


Key hurdles included:

  • Ensuring simultaneous and precise gas monitoring.
  • Integrating the system into existing incubators without taking up shaker tray space.
  • Maintaining flexibility for different flask types, including single-use options.

Researchers needed an innovative solution to optimize bioprocesses and scale-up potential efficiently.

Our Solution

Bartels Mikrotechnik and Kuhner shaker collaborated to develop the Kuhner TOM system, combining microfluidic and shaking technologies.

Innovative features include:

  • mp6 Gas Pump: Bartels’ micropump enabled precise gas injections for accurate OTR, CTR, and RQ monitoring.
  • Space-Saving Design: Mounted above the shake flasks, the system preserves shaker tray space.
  • Scalability: Supports modular setups for 4, 8, 12, or 16 flasks, ensuring flexibility and efficiency.

This seamless integration allowed real-time, reliable monitoring of gas transfer rates across multiple flasks.

mp6 micropump

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The Kühner shaker device for gas measurement with the mp6 micropump

The Result

The Kuhner TOM system delivers significant advancements for researchers and scientists:

  • Enhanced Accuracy: Real-time, precise gas transfer monitoring in up to 16 independent flasks.
  • Improved Processes: Data-driven insights for optimizing media composition and bioprocess conditions.
  • Flexible Integration: Compatible with various flask types and retrofit-ready for existing systems.
  • Broad Applications: Opens new opportunities in cell cultivation, bioprocessing, and scale-up research.

This partnership showcases how Bartels Mikrotechnik’s microfluidics and Kuhner shaker’s shaking technology create transformative solutions for scientific and industrial applications.

Need a similar solution?

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From compact micropumps to integrated systems, we empower your next breakthrough.

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