biorreactores

Bioreactores, also written as biorreactores in some languages, are vessels designed to provide a controlled environment for the growth of biological cultures and the production of biomolecules. They are used to cultivate microorganisms such as bacteria or yeast, as well as higher-order cells including mammalian, insect, or plant cells. The goal is to sustain optimal growth and product formation while limiting contamination. Common outputs include therapeutic proteins, monoclonal antibodies, vaccines, enzymes, and specialty chemicals.

Core functions include regulation of temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, and nutrients, achieved with sensors, pumps, and control software. Mixing and gas exchange are provided by impellers or spargers to ensure homogeneity and adequate oxygen transfer. Operation modes commonly used are batch, fed-batch, and continuous. Downstream processing follows bioreactor operation to purify the desired product.

Several configurations exist, with the stirred-tank bioreactor (STR) being the most common in industry. Other types include airlift and bubble-column reactors for gentle shear, packed-bed or fluidized-bed reactors for immobilized cells, and membrane bioreactors that retain cells while separating products. Increasing use of single-use, disposable systems reduces cleaning requirements and changes validation practices.

Design emphasizes sterility, scalability, and regulatory compliance. Materials of construction range from stainless steel to single-use polymers. Scale-up challenges involve maintaining oxygen transfer, mixing, and shear conditions between lab, pilot, and production scales, and CIP/SIP for antimicrobial cleaning where applicable.

Bioreactors underpin production in biopharmaceuticals, industrial enzymes, and biotechnology research, enabling controlled, scalable production of biomolecules and biologics.