908 Devices is a technology company based in Boston, Massachusetts. Founded in 2012, the company specializes in developing and manufacturing innovative analytical instruments for chemical and biomolecular analysis. Their mission is to empower professionals across various industries to make real-time decisions by providing them with advanced analytical capabilities right at the point of need. Uncomplicated, purpose-built devices provide users with the power to redefine their workflows by getting actionable answers at the point of need.

Bioreactors play a crucial role in various industries, particularly in biotechnology and pharmaceuticals. They facilitate the study of cell behavior, optimization of bioprocesses, and the development of new biotechnological products and applications. Streamlining these crucial aspects of the drug discovery process provides a unique edge, enabling firms to secure patents and position themselves as industry pioneers. Setting up bioreactor monitoring and control is a meticulous process that often demands a significant amount of time and effort.

908 Devices partnered with Loft to develop the MAVERICK bioreactor analysis system. Part of the process was a comprehensive assessment of the user journey to evaluate the steps needed to set up and monitor a bioreactor.

The 908 Devices MAVERICK provides the benefits of Raman-based Process Analytical Technology (PAT) without the expenses and intricacies linked to creating empirical calibration models, which are needed in traditional process spectroscopy-based approaches.

Constructing and validating a robust practical calibration model can require months and a dedicated team of specialists. In contrast, MAVERICK only necessitates a straightforward two-point probe calibration to initiate monitoring various crucial process parameters in the majority of bioreactors.

The hub and spoke configuration enables the management of up to six separate bioreactors, streamlining and simplifying the task of monitoring multiple parameters. MAVERICK's simple configuration only necessitates a straightforward two-point probe calibration to initiate monitoring and control, without revalidation when the process conditions change.

The design of the MAVERICK ecosystem revolutionizes bioprocess monitoring by offering seamless and continuous in-line tracking. Its user-friendly interface and optimized setup process empower development teams to excel in Bioprocessing 4.0, using Raman-based Process Analytical Technology (PAT) without having to develop an empirical calibration model like conventional spectroscopy approaches. A simple probe calibration suffices to start monitoring key process parameters in most bioreactors. Unpack it, and you're halfway through the setup.

During MAVERICK's development, we took into account the following key considerations:

USABILITY

We gained insights into the users' needs by developing a task analysis and user flow. This allowed us to discover that the user must be able to confirm the measurement module laser is on from across the room. Therefore, the indicator lights needed to be a certain size and have strong visibility.

Through prototyping, user testing, and design principles, we determined the ideal angle for the hub's screen for 5th-percentile female through 95th-percentile male users, maximizing MAVERICK's ergonomics.

The hardware and screen are thoughtfully crafted to maximize the user's convenience. You don't need any prior experience with Raman spectroscopy or chemometric modeling. The hub boasts a high-resolution color touchscreen, software ready for CFR 21 Part 11 compliance, and a user-friendly interface.

FLEXIBILITY

The MAVERICK hub was designed so it could stack on top of the measurement module. This saves space for all labs and creates one cohesive instrument while retaining the flexibility to be taken off if needed. The ability to separate the hub and measurement module is paramount when managing and monitoring multiple bioreactors.

AESTHETICS

We gave MAVERICK an approachable form, reflecting its ease of use. The curved surfaces elegantly transition between the large display on the hub and the smaller measurement module. The housing's curved profile puts the focus on the user interface and cuts off visual weight from the device. MAVERICK smartly fits in with the sleek visual brand language of 908 Devices' renowned lineup of instruments.