South Fork Instruments Launches Kemtrak UV Spectra for Real-Time Bioprocess Monitoring

South Fork Instruments has announced the availability of the Kemtrak UV Spectra Process Analyzer, a multi-wavelength deep-UV photometer designed for real-time absorbance measurement of proteins, peptides, polypeptides, mRNA/DNA, amino acids, APIs, and process intermediates. The analyzer provides high-resolution continuous absorbance measurement from 190 to 440 nm, supporting applications in chromatography, filtration, biochemical production, and process monitoring.

This development is significant because bioprocessing teams are increasingly working with higher concentrations and more demanding purification steps, creating a need for more sophisticated monitoring technology. The Kemtrak UV Spectra addresses this need by providing deep-UV performance, zero-dead-volume measurement, and verification tools necessary to generate reliable inline data. According to John Daly, Technical Director at South Fork Instruments, "Its stability and real-time multi-wavelength capability make it a strong fit for chromatography, filtration, and high-value process streams."

The analyzer offers high-stability optical measurement with up to 10 user-selectable wavelengths, ±0.005 AU photometric resolution, and a 10 Hz sampling frequency for continuous real-time monitoring. To support accurate inline measurement, the system integrates zero-dead-volume hygienic measurement cells available in stainless steel, titanium, Hastelloy, Monel, PTFE, and PPSU, with window options in sapphire and UV-fused silica. Wetted surfaces are available with electropolished finishes down to Ra _ 0.38 μm.

Key features include multi-wavelength deep-UV absorbance measurement from 190–440 nm, high-resolution continuous measurement with ±0.005 AU photometric resolution and fast 10 Hz sampling, zero-dead-volume hygienic measurement cells in multiple wetted materials for fast response inline monitoring, a mercury-free UV-xenon light source with up to two years of continuous operation, and integrated traceable verification with NIST-compliant reference standards and verification port.

The implications of this technology are substantial for the biopharmaceutical industry, where precise monitoring of protein concentrations, nucleic acids, and other biomolecules during production is critical for quality control and regulatory compliance. The ability to measure in the deep-UV range (190-440 nm) allows for detection of aromatic amino acids and nucleic acids that absorb in this region, providing valuable information about product purity and concentration during manufacturing processes.

For industries beyond biopharma, including chemical plants, breweries, refineries, mining, power generation, food processing, and oil production, the analyzer offers enhanced process monitoring capabilities that can improve efficiency and product quality. The Kemtrak UV Spectra adds a deep-UV measurement option to South Fork's instrumentation lineup for chromatography, filtration, and real-time process monitoring. More information about the analyzer and configuration options is available at https://www.southforkinst.com.