Insights into Fermentors and Bioreactors for Cell Culture and Laboratory Fermentation

A fermentor is typically used for microbial cultures, while a bioreactor is designed for a broader range of cell types, including mammalian cells. However, the terms are often used interchangeably, and the key distinction lies in the specific application and the type of cells being cultivated.

Sterility is maintained through rigorous cleaning and sterilization procedures before use. This may involve autoclaving, chemical sterilants, or filtration. Additionally, aseptic techniques are employed during operation to prevent the introduction of contaminants.

The choice depends on factors such as the type of cells (microbial, plant, or mammalian), the scale of production (laboratory or industrial), the required control parameters (temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen), and the nature of the product being produced.

Oxygen can be supplied through various methods such as sparging with air or pure oxygen, using membrane oxygenators, or by adjusting the agitation speed to enhance gas exchange at the liquid surface.

Yes, but scaling up requires careful consideration of factors such as mass transfer, heat transfer, and fluid dynamics. The process parameters need to be re-optimized to ensure consistent performance at the larger scale.

Common parameters include cell density, metabolite concentrations, pH, temperature, dissolved oxygen, and carbon dioxide levels. These parameters provide valuable information for process control and optimization.

The frequency of medium change depends on the cell type, growth rate, and the depletion of nutrients and accumulation of waste products. It can range from daily to several days, and is determined based on ongoing monitoring and analysis.

Sensors for pH, dissolved oxygen, temperature, pressure, and optical density (for cell density measurement) are commonly employed. Some advanced systems may also include sensors for specific metabolites or biomarkers.

pH is controlled by adding acids or bases as needed. Automated pH control systems use pH sensors to trigger the addition of the appropriate substances to maintain the desired pH range.

Safety precautions include proper training of operators, wearing appropriate protective equipment, ensuring the integrity of pressure vessels, and having emergency response plans in place for potential leaks or equipment failures.