UV/VIS spectroscopy can be used as a simple and versatile tool for a diversity of applications in various industry segments. Here recent developments in bioprocess monitoring (A) and diagnostic (B) applications based on UV/VIS spectroscopy are presented and discussed with respect to increasing efficiency, safety and regulatory compliance.

1. Real-time analytical tools for bioprocess/fermentation monitoring are considered as effective alternatives to traditional laboratory-based analyses. This is mainly due to changing guidelines and the aim to augment the effectiveness of process control in order to save costs.
2. The analysis of cerebrospinal fluid for bilirubin in suspected subarachnoid haemorrhage is an application where errors in assessing the results can have a critical impact. A high performance UV spectrophotometer is required for accurate low-level determination. The decision tree for assessing the results is highly complex. Training staff to follow the decision tree without making errors is an involved process. The sensitivity and necessity of correct results interpretation demands for an automated analytical workflow support, whose results follow data-integrity compliance regulations.