BRAVO handheld Raman spectrometer

Importance of the Topic

Rapid, accurate identification of raw materials and finished products is essential for quality control and regulatory compliance in pharmaceutical and industrial laboratories. Handheld Raman spectroscopy enables on-site verification without sample preparation, reducing turnaround time and eliminating the need to transport materials to centralized facilities.

Objectives and Study Overview

This document presents BRAVO, Bruker Optics’ next-generation handheld Raman spectrometer. Key goals include improving sensitivity, mitigating fluorescence, ensuring user-friendly operation, and delivering compliance with pharmaceutical regulations. The overview covers design innovations, performance benchmarks, and practical workflows for incoming raw material inspection and process monitoring.

Methodology and Instrumentation

BRAVO integrates multiple patented technologies:

• Sequentially Shifted Excitation (SSETM) for fluorescence suppression across broad materials.
• Duo LASERTM dual-wavelength excitation covering 300–3200 cm⁻¹ for enhanced spectral range and sensitivity.
• IntelliTipTM automated tip recognition to prevent handling errors and ensure reproducible measurements through various adaptors.

The system operates at laser Class 1 in all modes. A 7-inch touchscreen guides users through intuitive workflows. Wireless and Ethernet connectivity support automated data transfer and reporting. The optional docking station charges the instrument and accessories while enabling secure network data integration. Bruker’s OPUS software provides method development, user management, electronic signatures, and audit trails to comply with 21 CFR Part 11 and USP/PhEur protocols.

Main Results and Discussion

Performance evaluations demonstrate that BRAVO achieves Raman shift accuracy better than 1 cm⁻¹ and four hours of continuous operation on a single battery. In comparative tests measuring talc through polyethylene bags, BRAVO outperformed a conventional benchtop dispersive system by delivering superior signal-to-noise ratios and clear detection of weak Raman lines. The batch scan mode supports rapid screening of multiple lots with minimal user intervention.

Benefits and Practical Applications

BRAVO brings the laboratory to the point of need, enabling:

• Incoming raw material verification without unpacking or sample preparation.
• Process monitoring of APIs and excipients during manufacturing.
• Finished product inspection in various packaging formats (vials, bags, blister packs).
• Secure data handling and segregation of duties via multi-level user control.

These features reduce analysis time, minimize supply-chain risks, and support real-time decision-making.

Future Trends and Potential Applications

Advances in miniaturized spectrometer design, cloud-based library management, and artificial intelligence–driven spectral interpretation will further enhance handheld Raman utility. Integration with process analytical technology (PAT) frameworks, the Internet of Things (IoT), and expanded chemometric toolkits promise broader adoption in continuous manufacturing, point-of-care diagnostics, and field analysis beyond pharmaceuticals.

Conclusion

BRAVO represents a significant leap in portable Raman analysis, combining robust hardware, advanced fluorescence mitigation, and regulatory compliance in a user-friendly format. Its performance and connectivity features support efficient, on-site material verification and process control in regulated environments.

References

• US Patent 8,570,507 B1: Sequentially Shifted Excitation Technique for Raman Fluorescence Suppression.