Bioreactors
By bioreactor, we mean a biotechnological facility that is capable of sustaining a biologically active system. A bioreactor can either be a vessel in which biochemical processes based on microorganisms or biochemically active substances take place or a system for culturing cells and tissues.
Bioreactor Design:
Typical bioreactor skids are composed of the following functional components:
- Bioreactor(vessel) with stirrer
- Heating/cooling circuit
- Gas intake group with sterile filters
- Exhaust ventilation group with sterile filters
- Addition groups (e.g., innoculum, media, acid, base, and antifoam injection)
- Harvesting group
- Sampling system for taking sterile samples
To ensure a high level of productivity of the microorganisms or cells in the bioreactor, bioreactor skids are equipped with the following functions:
- Gas flow rate control
- Oxygen concentration monitoring
- Temperature control (by means of heating/cooling circuits) via the double jacket or internal coils
- pH monitoring
- Head pressure monitoring
- Stirrer control
- Foam control (addition of antifoam agents, mechanical defoamers)
- Media addition
- Sterile sampling
- Cleaning in Place (CIP)
- Sterilization/Sanitization in Place (SIP)
Applications:
Biopharmaceutical bioreactor skids are used for the first steps in the production of cells or microorganisms. These (usually genetically modified) organisms produce the desired metabolites such as antibodies, enzymes, and other proteins. Vogelbusch Biopharma bioreactors are used around the world for the production of important biopharmaceutical products.
