What Is a Bioreactor?
Bioreactors are devices that utilize biological processes mediated by enzymes, cells, and microorganisms to produce and analyze substances. Unlike chemical reactions, biological reactions in bioreactors tend to be slower but are advantageous for producing fewer byproducts and maintaining catalytic activity without the need for high temperatures and pressures. This makes bioreactors cost-effective and essential for various applications, including cell culture.
Uses of Bioreactors
Bioreactors find applications in numerous industries, such as:
- Food Production: Used to produce fermented products like miso, soy sauce, sake, and wine.
- The Chemical Industry: Mass production of amino acids and sugars.
- Medicine and Research: Producing functional substances through cell culture.
- Physicochemical Analysis: Utilizing biosensors and autoanalyzers for detecting and quantifying substances.
Principles of Bioreactors
Bioreactors operate by managing conditions such as temperature, pH, and pressure to facilitate reactions with immobilized enzymes and other biological elements, leading to the synthesis, decomposition, or conversion of materials to obtain desired products. Cells, microorganisms, and purified enzymes serve as primary reaction elements, with immobilization techniques enhancing separation efficiency from the products.
Types of Bioreactors
Variants of bioreactors include:
- Liquid bioreactors for processes involving liquid raw materials.
- Solid bioreactors, used in industries like koji making and enzyme production.
- Photosynthetic bioreactors for utilizing plant cells, algae, and photosynthetic bacteria.
- Microbioreactors for analytical applications, designed for small volume analyses.
Other Information About Bioreactors
Reaction Field Conditions
The aeration, mixing, and temperature control in bioreactors vary greatly depending on the state of the reaction materials and the type of organisms involved. Methods include aeration and agitation for aerobic organisms and specific nutrient and light supply for photosynthetic organisms. Microbioreactors, used for analysis, require precise control of temperature and volume to ensure accuracy.
Synthesis of Optically Active Compounds in Bioreactors
Bioreactors excel in synthesizing optically active compounds, offering advantages like room temperature operation, normal pressure, neutral pH, selectivity, fewer byproducts, and higher yields.
Applications of Bioreactors in Regenerative Medicine
Bioreactors are pivotal in regenerative medicine for cultivating large quantities of cells, such as iPS cells, using techniques like 3D floating cultures and specially designed agitation mechanisms to enhance culture efficiency with minimal stress on the cells.