Introduction to Bioprocessing

Bioprocess Basics

Cultivation in bioreactors enables efficient and reproducible production of cells, microorganisms and the products they express. Applications and used cell lines and strains are diverse and therefore the optimal bioreactor design and process setup differs. On this page, we provide background information, examples, and tips and tricks, to support you in setting up your bioprocess.

Innova S44i with Single-Use Bioreactor BioBLU in front

Resolving cultivation bottlenecks

For many applications, the cultivation of bacteria or yeast in shake flasks and cell culture in dishes or T-flask is well suited. However, the use bioreactors and fermentors improve the results and save work, time, and lab-space of scientists, who

  • need large amounts of cells, microbes or of the products they express
  • would like to increase the reproducibility of growth, product formation or product quality
  • would like to systematically compare different growth conditions
  • would like to increase the cultivation efficiency

Bioprocess fundamentals

What are bioreactors and fermenters? Why can they help saving work, time, and lab-space and improving results? How does cultivation of cells and microbes in bioreactors differs from growth in incubators and shakers?

Find the answers in our White Paper!

 

Download white paper (PDF)

Bioreactor vs. Shake Flask

Moving from Shakers to Bioreactors

Shake flasks, cell culture dishes, and T-flask first come to mind, when thinking about cultivation systems for growing eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells in the lab. Bioreactors and fermenters are an alternative to consider, if large amounts of cells are needed, the efficiency of the cultivation or its reproducibility need to be enhanced.

Bioreactor accessories

Bioreactors are equipped with accessories like sensors, impellers, and gassing devices. These devices facilitate precise control of the culture’s pH, temperature, oxygen concentration, and more. Like that optimal growth conditions can be created. Get to know some details!

> Article: A guide to impeller selection

> Short protocol: Dissolved oxygen sensors – functioning and calibration

> Short Protocol: Measuring oxygen transfer rate (OTR)   

> FAQs: Bioreactor accessories

impeller design of a bioreactor
Feeding strategies for your bioprocess

Culture feeding

Replenishing nutrients during the cultivation improves the growth of cells and microorganisms. Get to know why and how!

> Application Note: A beginner’s guide to bioprocess modes

> Article: Making the most out of your working volume

 

 

Process parameters of a bioreactor or fermenter

Process parameter setpoints

You would like to get started culturing your favorite cell line or microorganism in a bioreactor and wonder which setpoints to choose? Information from literature can serve as starting point you can build on.                                       

> Short Protocol: E. coli culture in small stirred-tank bioreactors

> Short Protocol: CHO cell culture in small stirred-tank bioreactors   

> Short Protocol: Pichia pastoris fermentation in single-use stirred-tank bioreactors

> Application Note: Introduction to Sf9 insect cell culture in stirred-tank bioreactors

> Application Note: Automatic fermentation with the BioFlo 120 Auto Culture Mode