What are the advantages and disadvantages of using Stirred Tank Bioreactors in industrial processes?4 answersStirred Tank Bioreactors are widely utilized in industrial processes due to their versatility and scalability. These bioreactors offer the flexibility of using different impeller arrangements, such as Rushton, Pitch-blade, and Scaba®, influencing mixing efficiency and torque requirements. However, the choice of impeller arrangement is crucial, as certain configurations may lead to overload torque limitations or inefficiencies, especially when dealing with non-Newtonian fluids. Additionally, the design of these bioreactors can impact factors like power draw, liquid phase level, and mixing time, which can be optimized using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations for improved performance. Overall, while stirred tank bioreactors are versatile and commonly used, careful consideration of impeller configurations and design parameters is essential to maximize efficiency and productivity in industrial processes.
What are the Characteristics of bioreactor design?5 answersBioreactor design encompasses various crucial characteristics. It involves creating an ideal environment for microorganism growth and product formation. Bioreactors can be categorized based on the physical state of the substrate into submerged and solid-state reactors, each requiring specific design considerations. The design aims to mimic the native tissue environment in tissue engineering applications, focusing on mass transport, physiological signaling, flow rheology, and cell microenvironment. Additionally, bioreactors play dual roles as reaction vessels and microorganism growth chambers, emphasizing the importance of careful consideration in their design. Incorporating factors like mass and heat transfer, fluid dynamics, and nutrient supply through valves is essential for optimal bioreactor performance. These characteristics collectively contribute to efficient bioreactor design for various applications.
How is kla determined for bioreactors?5 answersThe volumetric oxygen transfer coefficient (kLa) in bioreactors can be determined using various methods. One method is the dynamic method, which involves measuring the oxygen concentration response over time in a stirred tank reactor. Another method is the gassing-out technique, which is widely used and simple to apply. However, this method is sensitive to probe dynamics and can lead to inaccuracies in kLa determination, especially in airlift bioreactors. To overcome this, a new method has been proposed that simultaneously determines kLa and electrode sensitivity without the need for additional assays. Additionally, an automated algorithm has been developed for estimating kLa in conventional bioreactors, which yields reliable results in a fraction of the manual processing time. Simulation studies have also shown that KLa values for O2 and CO2 can be determined from measurements taken in the gas phase, taking into account the gas phase dynamics to avoid errors.
What are the challenges of using bioreactors for therapeutic antibody production?5 answersThe challenges of using bioreactors for therapeutic antibody production include the need for speed to market and cost-efficiency due to competition from biosimilars and pressure to reduce treatment costs. Scaling up production processes to meet the increasing demand for monoclonal antibodies is necessary, and high-density cell culture systems such as hollow fiber bioreactors, packed bed systems, and disposable wave bioreactors have been developed for this purpose. Decision-making regarding the use of traditional stainless steel systems or single-use disposable systems for scale-up production depends on market potential and available technical support. Intensified upstream operations can lead to difficulties in recovering harvest material, necessitating integration of upstream and downstream process development to ensure efficient product purification. Additionally, the complexity of pathways and species specificity of biologics pose challenges in pre-clinical development and predicting adverse events in the clinic.
What are the bubble generators for bioreactors?4 answersBubble generators for bioreactors include systems and methods that utilize microbubbles or nanobubbles to treat water or wastewater. A 3D CFD model was developed to predict the hydraulic performance of a novel aeration system for flat sheet membrane bioreactors (MBRs). A bubble generating system is provided with a gas supply and container, including a gas provider and multiple bubble generators that output gas in different directions. An ultrafine bubble generating device uses the air lift effect to diffuse microbubbles throughout a reaction tank for biological treatment of contaminated water. A microbubble generator, along with an immobilized cell reactor, is used for optimizing oxygen transfer in bioreactor systems for the detoxification and cleanup of aqueous streams.
How to make a lab bioreactor?5 answersA lab bioreactor can be made by following a method that involves interconnecting at least two different components. In this method, a first body made of a polymer that is at least partially transparent to electromagnetic radiation is interconnected with a second body made of a ceramic that absorbs the electromagnetic radiation. The first body is capable of partially melting, and in the first step of the method, the first body and the second body are arranged in a contacting manner, forming contact faces. In the second step, the meltable area of the contact face is caused to melt by irradiating electromagnetic radiation through the first body onto the meltable area. This method allows for the production of a bioreactor or a lab-on-a-chip system with interconnected components.