Key features
- Exceptional sensitivity enabling shorter measurement times.
- Option to use two laser wavelengths for analysing a broad range of samples.
- Compatible with both small single-use bioreactors and large-scale continuous production setups.
- Integrated spectral calibration within the probe, eliminating the need for external reference checks.
- Support available through local service engineers and training resources.
- A secondary stand-by laser ensures continued operation when the primary laser reaches the end of its lifetime.
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Virsa Raman Analyser for Bioprocessing
With thousands of installations across many of the world’s top research and industrial institutions, Renishaw’s Raman systems are now being used for real-time bioprocess monitoring in line with the US FDA’s Process Analytical Technology (PAT) framework.
The Renishaw Virsa Raman analyser enables non-destructive analysis of solids, liquids, and suspensions, providing detailed chemical and structural insights. It is particularly well-suited for studying aqueous suspensions of living systems and can precisely determine concentrations of media components such as glucose and lactate.
The Virsa Raman analyser can be easily integrated into various types of bioprocess reactors, whether directly in-situ via an immersion probe or externally through bags or optical windows.
By combining predictive modelling with Renishaw’s advanced WiRE™ software, these Raman systems deepen understanding of chemical processes and are ideally suited to PAT strategies within a Quality by Design (QbD) framework for biopharmaceutical production. In both upstream and downstream processes, Raman spectroscopy can boost yields and reduce reliance on offline quality assurance methods such as high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).
The Virsa™ analyser in action
The Virsa™ analyser enables continuous, real-time monitoring of analyte or metabolite concentrations throughout a bioprocess using an in-situ immersion probe. Because Raman spectroscopy is non-destructive and non-invasive, it allows for ongoing measurement without disturbing the reaction or affecting living systems. Integrating the Virsa analyser into a fermentation or cell culture vessel for online, real-time quality assurance is straightforward. Moreover, the collected data can be used to actively control and optimise the process.
The highly versatile Virsa™ analyser can be configured to meet a wide range of measurement needs, including use with single-use bags, glass or plastic bioreactors through a PG13.5 port and stainless steel bioreactor systems using an optical interface. The Virsa™ analyser provides complete transferability and scalability—from laboratory-scale process development to continuous manufacturing with integrated feedback control.
The system is compatible with third-party multivariate data analysis and knowledge management software, including synTQ and SIMCA®. In production environments, OPC-UA integration enables seamless communication between the Virsa Raman analyser and process control systems. Raman measurements can be managed either through simple electronic hardware triggers or fully customisable Python or LabVIEW™ scripts.
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Renishaw Raman Technology for Bioprocessing
Brochure
Technical data
| Excitation wavelengths | 532 nm, 660 nm and/or 785 nm |
| Laser power | 50 mW (532 nm and 660 nm), 120 mW (785 nm) |
| Spectral range | 50 cm-1 to 4000 cm-1 (532 nm) |
| 100 cm-1 to 4000 cm-1 (660 nm) | |
| 50 cm-1 to 3200 cm-1 (785 nm) | |
| Spectral resolution | < 2.5 cm-1 |
| Spectral dispersion | < 1.5 cm-1 / pixel (532 nm) |
| < 2 cm-1 / pixel (660 nm) | |
| < 1 cm-1 / pixel (785 nm) | |
| Dimensions (H x W x D) | 178 mm x 436 mm x 541 mm |
| Weight | 15.3 kg (single laser), 17.5 kg (dual-laser) |
| Data collection speed | > 1500 spectra/s |
