WATCH: Types Single-use Bioreactors

Single-use bioreactors have become increasingly popular in the biopharmaceutical industry due to their convenience and cost-effectiveness. These bioreactors are designed to be used once and then disposed of, eliminating the need for cleaning and sterilization. There are several types of single-use bioreactors available on the market today, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. In this article, we will highlight the different types of single-use bioreactors and discuss the benefits of airlift technology for your laboratory.

  1. Airlift bioreactors: a unique type of bioreactor that use a sparger to create bubbles that mix and aerate the culture medium. The bubbles rise to the top of the vessel and create a turbulent flow that provides adequate mixing and oxygen supply to the cells. Bubble column single-use bioreactors are simple to use and can be easily scaled up, making them suitable for large-scale production.
  2. Wave-induced motion bioreactors: these bioreactors use the movement of waves to mix and aerate the culture medium. They consist of a flexible plastic bag that is partially filled with culture medium and suspended in a rigid outer container. The movement of the waves generated by a rocking motion creates a mixing effect that provides adequate oxygen and nutrient supply to the cells. Wave-induced motion single-use bioreactors are simple to use and require minimal equipment, making them an attractive option for small-scale production.
  3. Stirred-tank bioreactors: They consist of a cylindrical vessel with a motor-driven impeller that stirs the contents of the vessel.

The benefits of airlift bioreactors include:

  1. Reduced shear stress
  2. Improved oxygen transfer
  3. No mixing dead zones
  4. Scalability
  5. Cost-effectiveness
  6. Reduced error and cross contamination

Discover our range of CellMaker bioreactors and the different volumes we offer with our bioreactor bags.