I am working with Bioreactors and as it was a generally new concept to me, I put it in simple terms in this write-up for me and people who need straightforward information on it.
Introduction to Bioreactors
Bioreactors are devices that hold space for the conversion of a substrate of low-value to be converted to a substrate of a high-value by being utilized by living cells or enzymes. Examples that go through this process include Bread, Detergent, Carpet, Synthetic Rubber, Biofuels, Furniture, and Textiles.
An example of a process that uses bioreactors is the process of Bread Making the Old Manufacturing Process involves Potassium Bromate, which is a suspected cancer-causing agent at certain levels. Potassium Bromate was used as a preservative and a dough-strengthening process.
The New Industrial Biotech Process involves genetically enhanced microorganisms that produce baking enzymes to strengthen the dough and prolong freshness. Which in turn reduces CO2 concentration in grain products, milling baking, and transportation.
The consumer benefit is high-quality bread, longer shelf-life, and elimination of suspected carcinogen Potassium Bromate.
Benefits of Bioreactors Over Chemical Synthesis
As opposed to Chemical Synthesis, bioreactors produce mild reaction conditions that is they are more energy efficient and cost-effective.
They are a sustainable process, that uses renewable resources, and raw materials such as cellulose, starch, and glucose.
There are no toxic and undesirable waste byproducts, more environment friendly, and fewer CO2 emissions.
Classification of Bioreactors
My classification of Bioreactors is based on the presence or absence of Oxygen and the requirement of stirring.
Anaerobic Fermentation
Aerobic Fermentation
Air-Lift Bioreactors
Anaerobic Fermentation
These reactors do not require aeration although the initial preparation of the inoculum may require aeration.
The gas released during fermentation is sufficient to provide mixing and the product recovery may also require anaerobic conditions.
Aerobic Fermentation
These reactors should have adequate provision for the supply of sterile air and also need a mechanism for stirring up and mixing the medium and cells.
: Non-stirred aerated reactors {Air-lift, bubble column reactors}
: Stirred and aerated reactors {Stirred tank reactors}
Air Lift Bioreactors
The stirred tank bioreactors lack a well-defined flow of air so in these, air is pumped from below. The Bubbles rise up through the draught tube and drag the surrounding fluid. Air basically stirs up the contents.
Advantages are there is less friction, less cost and energy requirements, and easy scalability. The disadvantages are the difficulty of sterilization, and the efficiency of mixing is low.
Conclusion
In summary, Bioreactors are advanced vessels used to cultivate biological organisms, like bacteria or yeast, under controlled conditions to produce valuable substances. Beyond industrial applications, bioreactors can be adapted for simple home use like brewing beer, fermenting yogurt, or cultivating probiotics with precision and ease.
Their superiority over chemical synthesis lies in their ability to harness the power of living organisms, offering higher efficiency, lower energy consumption, and reduced environmental impact.