Biotechnology Applications
Ocean Optics offers modular spectrometers, accessories and software that can be used to help optimize biological systems and processes for applications in pharmaceuticals, medicine, agriculture and biological engineering. Our products and know-how can be applied to a range of biotechnology measurement challenges, whether you need a single unit for research or several thousand units for an OEM project.
Ocean Optics UV, Visible and NIR spectrometers can be configured for low light techniques such as fluorescence and Raman, for quality control parameters including color and chemical composition and for research applications from biofuels analysis to pharmaceuticals development.
Example Setup: Raman Analysis
Overview
Raman spectroscopy offers benefits for testing and characterization of biotechnology samples. Like IR spectroscopy, Raman is rapid and non-destructive. It can capture data from a sample contained in plastic or other materials that are optically transparent to the wavelengths of interest.
Ocean Optics offers a range of fully integrated Raman systems for handheld and laboratory applications, as well as modular setups anchored by our high-sensitivity, back-thinned CCD arrays. One such modular setup is described here.
Spectrometer
We offer a QE series spectrometer that’s preconfigured for 785 nm Raman analysis, making it an excellent option for chemical identification and fingerprinting. The spectrometer is preset with a grating optimized for Raman response, gold mirrors to increase sensitivity in the optical bench, and a 50 µm slit to maintain good resolution. The setup provides coverage from ~780-1100 nm.
Excitation Laser and Sampling Optics
For 785 nm Raman excitation, we recommend one of our LASER-785 series multimode lasers. Options are available with FC or SMA fiber-coupled output power. Custom excitation ranges are also available.
Raman accessories typically include a probe and sample holder. In the example setup, we selected an RIP-RPB-785-SMA-FC and the RIP-PA-SH Raman sample holder. Safety glasses (LASER-GL-ML1), which are suitable for use with 785 nm, 808 nm and 1064 nm lasers, complete the system.
Software
OceanView spectroscopy software supports Raman experiments, but for more advanced analysis we recommend an add-on chemometrics package such as the RAM-ANIQ-LAB analytical chemistry option.
Raman Analysis System Components
| QE65PRO-RAMAN | QE series spectrometer preconfigured for 785 nm Raman analysis; modular options for 532 nm and other wavelengths are also available |
| LASER-785-LAB-ADJ | 785 nm diode laser for Raman excitation; 532 nm and other options are available |
| RIP-PA-SH | Raman sample holder |
| LASER-GL-ML1 | Laser safety glasses block 785 nm/808 nm/1064 nm lasers; OD 7+, VLT 45% Green |
| OceanView | Spectrometer operating software |
| RAM-ANIQ-LAB | Single-license chemometrics package from Analyze IQ |
An optical pH sensor monitors pH during E. coli fermentation in a bioreactor environment.
Raman spectroscopy is useful for discriminating pharmaceutical active ingredients such as carbamazepine.
Beta lactose and excipients used in pharmaceuticals production can be identified using Raman spectroscopy.
These tryptophan fluorescence spectra were captured using a USB2000+ spectrometer with a pulsed xenon source with direct-attach cuvette holder, a 600 µm patch cord and lowpass linear variable filter.
