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. 1 / 2
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.
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