How precise temperature monitoring is supporting advances in type 1 diabetes research.

Challenges

The Ricordi® Isolator is used to dissociate donor

pancreases for the isolation of Islets of Langerhans.

A digestive enzyme is continuously recirculated

through the Ricordi® Chamber containing the

pancreas via silicone tubing. Precise temperature

control is critical. The optimal operating range is

±1.5 °C of body temperature (37 °C). Even minor

deviations can compromise enzyme performance

or cause cellular damage. Contact between sensing

components and the enzyme solution must be

avoided to avoid cross-contamination.

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Solutions

A CleverIR ACE non-contact IR sensor monitors

the temperature of the fluid flowing through a

silicone tube . It has been specifically calibrated

to output a linear signal from 0 to 5 volts DC from

0°C to 45°C. Biorep can now connect the sensor

to their analog input module rather than the

thermocouple module which is easier to manage.

The new sensor also has electronics that linearize

the temperature, to give accurate readings

across a wider range of temperatures.

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Benefits

The ACE sensor enables accurate and reliable

temperature measurement without any direct

contact with the enzyme fluid. Fast response time

means temperature fluctuations can be flagged

immediately. It also offers linear output across the

entire temperature range – ideal for a lifescience

application. Custom calibration capability meant

that the sensor could be scaled specifically for this

particular usage. And, thanks to its small size it was

also easy to integrate into the existing unit design.

"The ACE sensor delivers
the temperature
precision needed to
optimize enzyme
performance while
protecting the integrity
of the isolated islets."

Felipe Echeverri, CEO, Biorep Technologies

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Results Conclusion

The Ricordi® Isolator, equipped with CleverIR ACE

sensors, supports reliable islet cell isolation as

part of research and cell processing workflows.

The sensors help ensure the critical temperature

range is maintained at all times during the isolation

process. Once harvested, isolated islets may be

further processed and evaluated in accordance

with applicable regulatory frameworks. Islet

transplantation has demonstrated the potential

to restore insulin production in select clinical

settings and remains an important area of

ongoing research.

This application demonstrates how advanced thermal

management supports breakthrough cell processing and

research applications. By delivering the reliability and

accuracy essential for islet cell preservation during iso-

lation workflows, the ACE sensor helps maintain process

integrity and reproducibility. The sensor’s non-contact

design, rapid response, and exceptional stability make it

ideal for applications where sterility, precision, and relia-

bility are non-negotiable. As cellular therapies advance

and regulatory standards evolve, this collaboration

highlights the importance of robust process control in life

sciences research and bioprocessing environments.

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Disclaimer: The Ricordi® Isolator is intended to support the manufacturing process of cell-, gene-, or tissue-based products that are exclusively used in laboratories for

Research Use Only (RUO). The Ricordi Isolator is not intended for diagnosis, prevention, monitoring, prediction, prognosis, treatment, or alleviation of disease in human

or animal. Any use of the Ricordi® Isolator in either clinical research or standard clinical setting would require additional legal considerations in the relevant jurisdiction.

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