Looking for a versatile biochemistry analyser that delivers fast and precise results across a broad analyte panel? YSI 2900 from YSI, a Xylem brand, is a benchtop analyser that covers up to 15 analytes, including glucose, lactate, glutamine and glutamate. We know lab, and we are here to help you choose the right configuration for your applications.

YSI 2900 is built on YSI’s proprietary immobilised enzyme-electrode technology and delivers analyte-specific results in around 60 seconds. The instrument is modular and can be expanded as your requirements evolve, and the touchscreen with an intuitive graphical interface makes navigation easy.

Key features

• Analyte-specific results in around 60 seconds
• Proprietary immobilised enzyme-electrode technology
• Intuitive graphical user interface with touchscreen
• Modular design that can be expanded with additional analytes
• Unique fluidics that resist clogging, even at high cell densities
• Trusted, proven measurement technology
• Automated sample handling for up to 96 samples
• USB port for data export
• Support for samples from 96-well plates and microcentrifuge tubes
• Small sample volume, between 10 and 50 µL
• CE and RoHS compliant
• Slim benchtop profile with easy access for maintenance

What YSI 2900 measures

YSI 2900 is designed for rapid, highly specific measurement of metabolites and ions. Available analytes include:

• Glucose
• Lactate
• Glutamine
• Glutamate
• Galactose
• Sucrose
• Lactose
• Choline
• Xylose
• Glycerol
• Ethanol
• Methanol
• Hydrogen peroxide
• Ammonium (requires YSI 2950)
• Potassium (requires YSI 2950)

Thanks to its modular design, the analyte panel can be expanded from two to up to six analytes in parallel with YSI 2950, making the platform adaptable to broader application needs.

How the technology works

YSI’s biosensor technology is built on immobilised enzyme electrodes. The enzyme reacts specifically with the target analyte to produce hydrogen peroxide, which in turn reacts with a platinum electrode. The current generated is proportional to the analyte concentration. The technology has been in use since 1975 and is based on several patented solutions.

The design offers a number of benefits:

• Selectivity: Finds the target analyte even in complex sample matrices, which eliminates sample preparation.
• Specificity: Reacts only with the target analyte, which minimises interference and improves accuracy.
• Sensitivity: Responds to low concentrations and requires small sample volumes (10 to 50 µL).
• Speed: Analysis time of around 60 seconds per sample.
• Cost-effective operation: Enzymes are not consumed during analysis, and the need for sample preparation is minimal.

The unique sample chamber design makes the enzyme electrode impervious to sample colour, pH, turbidity, cell density, salts, proteins and detergents. This means YSI 2900 works equally well for simple matrices and for complex bioprocess samples.

Typical applications

YSI 2900 is used widely across research, industry and quality control.

• Bioprocess monitoring of glucose and lactate in bioreactors
• Research and development in biotechnology and cell culture
• Process optimisation, scale-up and production
• Production fermentation of vaccines, biopharmaceuticals and small molecules
• Biofuel research, such as measurement of xylose and glucose in lignocellulosic ethanol production
• Clinical research in diabetes, cancer, stem cell therapy and sports physiology
• Food and beverage analysis of carbohydrates, alcohols, amino acids and electrolytes
• Cleaning validation with hydrogen peroxide measurement

Technical specifications

• Model: YSI 2900
• Aspirated sample volume: User-defined from 10 to 50 µL
• Analysis time: 60 seconds
• Precision: CV under 2 per cent, application specific
• Linearity: ±5 per cent of calibration value up to maximum
• Dimensions (W x D x H): 20.3 x 52.1 x 40 cm
• Weight: 12.7 kg (without bottle rack)
• Working environment: 15 to 35 °C, 10 to 75 per cent relative humidity (non-condensing)
• Power requirements: 100 to 120 VAC or 220 to 240 VAC, 50 to 60 Hz, 50 W nominal
• Automation: Up to 96 samples
• Regulatory compliance: CE, RoHS

Typical results

YSI 2900 delivers reproducible results with minimal sample preparation. Examples of performance from YSI’s own application notes:

• Bioreactor glucose: CV under 2 per cent at calibration point, analysis time under 1 minute, no sample preparation.
• Lactate and ethanol in tomato products: Lactate CV 1.8 to 2.3 per cent at 72.5 to 72.8 ppm, ethanol CV 2.1 to 2.2 per cent at 181.2 to 181.7 ppm.
• Whole blood or serum glucose: CV under 2 per cent at 75 mg/dL, correlation with HPLC: y = 0.903x − 0.087, R² = 0.996.

Service and maintenance

YSI 2900 is designed for minimal internal maintenance. The operator replaces membranes and checks calibrations on a regular basis. External maintenance is carried out by a certified service technician, typically after around 1,000 hours of operation, or every six to twelve months depending on usage. Berner Lab offers service agreements with annual maintenance visits including a PM kit.

Installation and training

On delivery, installation, installation testing and user training are handled by qualified and certified service technicians. For regulated environments, installation qualification (IQ) and operational qualification (OQ) are also available.

Frequently asked questions about YSI 2900

Which analytes can YSI 2900 measure?

YSI 2900 supports a broad panel of up to 15 analytes, including glucose, lactate, glutamine, glutamate, galactose, sucrose, lactose, choline, xylose, glycerol, ethanol, methanol and hydrogen peroxide. Ammonium and potassium require YSI 2950.

How quickly do I get results?

YSI 2900 delivers analyte-specific results in around 60 seconds per analysis, thanks to YSI’s proprietary immobilised enzyme-electrode technology.

What is the difference between YSI 2900 and YSI 2500?

Read more about YSI 2500, which is purpose-built for glucose and lactate and is the cost-effective alternative. YSI 2900 supports a much broader analyte panel and can be expanded with YSI 2950 for up to six analytes in parallel.

Which sample types can be analysed?

The instrument handles samples from 96-well plates, microcentrifuge tubes, as well as stat and syringe samples. The sample volume is user-defined from 10 to 50 µL.

Can YSI 2900 be used for online monitoring of bioreactors?

Yes. YSI 2900 is the core of the YSI 2900M Online Monitor & Control System as well as YSI 2940 and 2980 multi-channel online monitors, which connect the analyser to one or several bioreactors for automated, aseptic online sampling.

What does maintenance involve?

Internal maintenance is mainly membrane replacement and calibration checks. External service is typically recommended every six to twelve months, depending on usage.

Contact Berner Lab for advice on YSI 2900

YSI 2900 Series Analyzer Brochure B51