Automated in-situ detection of bio-contamination

Microbiological contamination represents a significant hazard potential in the manufacture of hygienic goods such as those produced in the pharmaceutical and food industries. The product quality which can be attained is directly related to the level of hygienic cleanliness prevailing in the production environment, which explains the need for microbiological tests. The methods and procedures currently implemented for detecting biocontamination in direct product environments are highly time-consuming and labor-intensive. Consequently, contamination is often recognized too late, resulting in considerable production losses. For this reason, a Sensor system is currently being developed at the Fraunhofer IPA for detecting biotic contamination by stimulating a specific fluorescence of universal cell contents. By illuminating contaminants with light of an appropriate wavelength and by capturing the fluorescent response, it is possible to differentiate between biotic (micro organisms) and abiotic (dust) contamination within just a few seconds. The paper describes a procedure which has been developed based on this inspection method and presents the prototypes which have been constructed. The procedure is then further explained using practical examples.