bioreaktorite

Bioreaktorite is a synthetic, mineral-like material developed for use in industrial bioreactors. It forms as a precipitate under bioprocess conditions and is not known to occur naturally. In laboratory settings, it is produced by controlled precipitation from phosphate- and silicate-containing solutions in the presence of trace organic ligands and metal cations such as calcium or magnesium, yielding a microcrystalline to poorly crystalline phase with tunable porosity and surface chemistry.

The material typically appears white to pale gray and has a low to moderate hardness, roughly within Mohs 3 to 5. Densities commonly range from about 2.7 to 3.3 g/cm3. Its surface can be engineered to provide high surface area and adjustable functional groups that interact with biomolecules, making it useful as a scaffold or lining in laboratory reactors.

Bioreaktorite can form in bioreactors where phosphate, carbonate, and organic metabolites are present, creating nucleation sites for mineralization and influencing biofilm development. It is studied as a model system for mineral–biofilm interactions and for assessing material compatibility and fouling behavior in bioprocess equipment.

Currently, bioreaktorite is mainly referenced in research and development contexts. It is not recognized as a distinct mineral species by major mineralogical databases. Ongoing work focuses on standardizing synthesis, characterizing composition, and evaluating lifecycle performance in bioreactor settings.

See also: biomineralization, phosphate minerals, biofilms, bioactive materials.