Types of Bioreactors
A bioreactor is a type of fermentation vessel that is used for the production of
various chemicals and biological reactions. It is a closed container with adequate
arrangement for aeration, agitation, temperature and pH control, and drain or
overflow vent to remove the waste biomass of cultured microorganisms along with
their products. Bioreactors are used for the production of biomass, metabolites, and
antibiotics. The design and mode of operation of a bioreactor are based on the
production of an organism, optimum conditions required for desired product
formation, product value, and its scale of production. Following are the major types
of bioreactors.
1. Continuous stirred tank reactor
2. Airlift reactor
3. Bubble column reactor
4. Tower reactor
5. Fluidized bed bioreactor (FBR)
6. Packed bed reactor
7. Photo bioreactor
8. Plug flow reactor
1. Continuous stirred tank reactor - It consists of a cylindrical vessel with
motor driven central shaft that support one or more agitators. Shaft is fitted at
the top of the reactor on which variable number of impellers is fixed. In CSTR
air is added in the culture under pressure through a device called Sparger. It
may be a ring with multiple hole or tube with a single oriface.Sparger along
with impeller enable better gas distribution system throughout the vessel.
Bubbles generated by sparger are broken down into smaller ones by impellers
and dispersed through the culture.
, Advantages of CSTR
Efficient gas transfer
Proper mixing of content
Flexible operating
Commercially easily available
2. Airlift fermenter - In this, the vessel is divided into two interconnected zones
by means of a baffle or a draft tube. In one of the two zones referred as a
Riser, the air is pumped in. the other zone through which the gas comes down
is called Down Comer.
i. Internal airlift fermenter: As a single container with a central draft tube that
aerate internal liquid circulation channels.
A bioreactor is a type of fermentation vessel that is used for the production of
various chemicals and biological reactions. It is a closed container with adequate
arrangement for aeration, agitation, temperature and pH control, and drain or
overflow vent to remove the waste biomass of cultured microorganisms along with
their products. Bioreactors are used for the production of biomass, metabolites, and
antibiotics. The design and mode of operation of a bioreactor are based on the
production of an organism, optimum conditions required for desired product
formation, product value, and its scale of production. Following are the major types
of bioreactors.
1. Continuous stirred tank reactor
2. Airlift reactor
3. Bubble column reactor
4. Tower reactor
5. Fluidized bed bioreactor (FBR)
6. Packed bed reactor
7. Photo bioreactor
8. Plug flow reactor
1. Continuous stirred tank reactor - It consists of a cylindrical vessel with
motor driven central shaft that support one or more agitators. Shaft is fitted at
the top of the reactor on which variable number of impellers is fixed. In CSTR
air is added in the culture under pressure through a device called Sparger. It
may be a ring with multiple hole or tube with a single oriface.Sparger along
with impeller enable better gas distribution system throughout the vessel.
Bubbles generated by sparger are broken down into smaller ones by impellers
and dispersed through the culture.
, Advantages of CSTR
Efficient gas transfer
Proper mixing of content
Flexible operating
Commercially easily available
2. Airlift fermenter - In this, the vessel is divided into two interconnected zones
by means of a baffle or a draft tube. In one of the two zones referred as a
Riser, the air is pumped in. the other zone through which the gas comes down
is called Down Comer.
i. Internal airlift fermenter: As a single container with a central draft tube that
aerate internal liquid circulation channels.
