Numera 3 in the Competitive Landscape of Automated Bioprocess Sampling

Automated sampling has become an essential technology in modern bioprocess development and manufacturing. As bioprocesses become more data-driven, manual sampling is increasingly seen as a bottleneck: it is time-consuming, prone to variability, difficult to perform around the clock, and often disconnected from real-time analytics and process control. 

Several companies offer automated sampling solutions for bioreactors and fermentation processes. The most relevant competitors to Securecell’s Numera 3 include Merck Millipore MAST, Flownamics Seg-Flow S₃ / S₃G, bbi biotech bioPROBE / multiSAM, Eppendorf Bioprocess Autosampler, and QB Systems AutoSampler.

While all these systems address the need to reduce manual sampling, they differ significantly in their level of automation, sample preparation capabilities, analyzer integration, software connectivity, and suitability for advanced PAT workflows.

The Competitive Field

Merck Millipore MAST

The MAST Autosampling Solution from Merck Millipore is one of the strongest competitors in the field of automated aseptic sampling. Its main strength lies in GMP-oriented, sterile sample transfer from process vessels to analytical destinations. MAST is particularly relevant in regulated manufacturing environments where aseptic integrity, cleaning, sanitization, and compliance expectations are critical.

MAST is well positioned for production-scale environments and for users who prioritize robust aseptic sampling. However, its public positioning is more focused on sterile sample transfer and delivery than on integrated sample preparation, dilution, filtration, cooled sample storage, and broad workflow orchestration.

Compared with Numera 3, MAST is a strong competitor in GMP and manufacturing settings, but Numera offers a broader value proposition for process development, PAT integration, and complex analytical workflows.

Flownamics Seg-Flow S₃ / S₃G

Flownamics Seg-Flow is Numera 3’s most direct technical competitor, especially in process-development labs where customers want online sampling from several bioreactors to external analyzers. Seg-Flow has a strong position in automated online sampling and is well documented for integration with analytical instruments such as cell analyzers, biochemistry analyzers, HPLC systems, BGA/pH/gas analyzers, and Raman modules.

Its key strength is analyzer connectivity. Seg-Flow is particularly competitive when the customer’s primary requirement is to move samples from multiple bioreactors to external analytical instruments.

However, Numera 3 differentiates itself by offering a more complete sample workflow. Numera does not only transfer samples to analyzers; it also supports integrated sample preparation, including dilution, filtration, cooled sample storage, and routing to multiple analyzers. When combined with Lucullus, Numera becomes part of a complete process-data and control environment.

bbi biotech bioPROBE / multiSAM

The bioPROBE / multiSAM solution from bbi biotech is focused on aseptic sampling and sample storage. It is a flexible and customizable platform for automated sterile sample collection from bioreactors and fermenters. Depending on configuration, it can support external analyzers, filtration, cooled storage, and GMP-oriented audit trail options.

bbi’s strength lies in customized sterile sampling setups and retained sample collection. It is relevant for users who need a tailored aseptic sampling and storage solution.

Compared with Numera 3, however, bioPROBE / multiSAM appears less focused on standardized multi-analyzer integration, high-level sample preparation, and software-driven PAT workflows. Numera offers a more complete and scalable platform for automated sampling, preparation, analysis, and data integration.

Eppendorf Bioprocess Autosampler

The Eppendorf Bioprocess Autosampler is a strong solution for users already working within the Eppendorf bioprocess ecosystem, including DASbox, DASGIP, SciVario, and BioFlo systems. Its main function is to automatically collect samples from multiple bioreactors and store them under controlled temperature conditions for later offline analysis.

Its key advantages are ease of use, good integration with Eppendorf software, and reliable unattended sample collection. It is particularly useful for overnight and weekend sampling, where the goal is to collect samples at defined time points without manual intervention.

However, the Eppendorf Bioprocess Autosampler is primarily a sample collection and storage system. It is less focused on real-time analyzer routing, automated sample preparation, filtration, dilution, HPLC or LC-MS workflows, and feedback control. Numera 3 is therefore better positioned when customers need more than automated sample collection.

QB Systems AutoSampler

The QB Systems AutoSampler is an emerging benchtop autosampling solution. It is positioned as a compact system for scheduled sterile sampling and precise volumetric sample collection. Its strengths include a simple benchtop concept, sterile wetted components, and cleaning protocols designed to reduce carryover.

QB Systems may be attractive for smaller laboratories or users looking for a more basic automated sampling solution. However, public information suggests that it is less established in advanced bioprocess PAT workflows and less comprehensive than Numera 3 in areas such as analyzer routing, sample preparation, cooled storage, filtration, HPLC integration, and data/control connectivity.

Compared with Numera 3, QB Systems appears to be a simpler autosampling option, while Numera is positioned as a complete automation and PAT integration platform.

Key Feature Comparison

Where Numera 3 Stands Out

The main advantage of Numera 3 is that it goes beyond the traditional definition of an autosampler. Many competing systems focus primarily on collecting samples, preserving sterility, or transferring samples to an analyzer. Numera 3 addresses the broader workflow: from automated bioreactor sampling to sample preparation, analyzer routing, data generation, storage, and process control.

This makes Numera especially strong in modern bioprocess environments where users need more than fixed time-point samples. Numera supports the transition from manual sampling to automated, data-driven bioprocessing.

1. More Than Sample Collection

Some systems, such as the Eppendorf Bioprocess Autosampler or QB Systems AutoSampler, are mainly designed to replace manual sampling. They collect samples at defined time points and make them available for later offline analysis.

Numera 3 offers a broader workflow. It does not simply collect samples; it helps prepare them for analysis, route them to instruments, store them under controlled conditions, and integrate the resulting data into the bioprocess workflow.

2. Integrated Sample Preparation

A critical differentiator for Numera 3 is its ability to support sample preparation steps such as dilution and filtration. This is important because many analytical instruments cannot process raw bioreactor samples directly. Cell density, viscosity, particle load, or analyte concentration may require pre-treatment before reliable measurement is possible.

By integrating these steps into the automated workflow, Numera reduces manual handling, improves consistency, and enables more reliable analytical data.

3. Analyzer Flexibility

Flownamics Seg-Flow is very strong in named analytical instrument integrations and is a direct competitor in this area. However, Numera’s strength is the combination of analyzer routing with sample preparation and process software integration.

Numera can support workflows involving biochemical analyzers, cell analyzers, HPLC, UHPLC, LC-MS-related workflows, and retained sample storage. This makes it suitable for complex analytical strategies where one sample may need to support multiple downstream measurements.

4. Lucullus Integration

One of Numera 3’s most important differentiators is its connection to Lucullus, Securecell’s bioprocess information and control software. This turns automated sampling into a structured digital workflow.

With Lucullus integration, sampling plans, process data, analytical results, and feedback control can be connected in one environment. This is a major advantage compared with systems that automate only the physical sampling step but leave data handling and process control fragmented.

5. Strong Fit for PAT and Data-Driven Bioprocessing

Process Analytical Technology requires timely, reliable, and contextualized process data. Numera 3 is well aligned with this need because it enables automated sampling, sample preparation, analyzer integration, and data transfer into a process-control environment.

This makes Numera particularly valuable for advanced process development, high-throughput bioprocessing, digital twins, model-based process control, and automated feeding strategies.

Conclusion

The competitive landscape for automated bioprocess sampling includes several strong and specialized solutions. Merck MAST is highly relevant for GMP-oriented aseptic sampling. Flownamics Seg-Flow is a strong technical competitor for online sampling and analyzer integration. bbi bioPROBE / multiSAM offers flexible sterile sampling and storage. Eppendorf provides a strong autosampling solution within its own bioprocess ecosystem, while QB Systems represents an emerging benchtop alternative.

However, Numera 3 stands out because it combines the essential elements of advanced automated sampling in one platform: multi-bioreactor sampling, sample preparation, dilution, filtration, cooled storage, analyzer routing, and Lucullus-based data and process control integration.