Disposable bioreactor vessel port

A port for use with a bioreactor vessel, said port comprising:

• i) a base member comprising a flexible hollow tubular portion and a base plate, said base plate being fusibly sealable to the wall of said bioreactor vessel at a hole therein;
• ii) a hollow, partially transparent generally tubular bushing member for containing electrical, and/or optical monitoring components which bushing member fits inside the bore of the tubular portion of said base member, said bushing member providing access to the contents of said bioreactor vessel and being comprised of a bioreactor compatible polymeric material suitable for sterilization by γ or β radiation;
• iii) a monitoring assembly inserted into said bushing member which assembly comprises means for providing incoming optical and/or electrical signals and means for collecting and transmitting measurement signals resulting from the interaction of said incoming optical and/or electrical signals with the contents of said bioreactor wherein said monitoring assembly is keyed so as to permit insertion into said bushing in only one orientation;
• and
• iv) a retainer to maintain the position and alignment of the monitoring assembly.