What is a
A bioreactor is a special device used in biotechnology to carry out biological processes under controlled conditions. It serves as an environment in which microorganisms, cells or enzymes can grow, multiply or produce certain products. Bioreactors are manufactured in various sizes, from small laboratory vessels to huge industrial plants.
STRUCTURE OF A BIOREACTOR
A bioreactor consists of the following main components:
Reaction vessel: A container, usually made of stainless steel or glass, in which the biological process takes place.
Stirring system: Keeps the culture evenly mixed so that all cells have access to nutrients and oxygen.
Aeration system: Supplies oxygen (for aerobic processes) or regulates the atmosphere.
Temperature control: Heating and cooling systems maintain the optimum temperature for organism growth.
pH control: Sensors and the addition of acids/bases are used to adjust the pH value.
Sensors: Monitor parameters such as temperature, pH, oxygen levels, glucose concentration, etc.
Bioreactor on a laboratory scale
ADVANTAGES OF BIOREACTORS
Bioreactors are therefore a key tool in modern biotechnology and enable many innovative products and solutions for medicine, agriculture, nutrition and the environment. The precise control of environmental conditions such as temperature, pH and oxygen makes it possible to work under controlled and reproducible conditions. This reproducibility enables processes to be scaled up and carried out on an industrial scale and products to be produced in large quantities. This is essential for the use of our products in biological plant protection in order to be able to offer natural solutions on a large scale and provide a sustainable alternative to chemical agents.
Bioreaktoren im industriellen Maßstab
USE OF BIOREACTORS IN BIOTECHNOLOGY
Bioreactors are used in various areas of biotechnology, including
1. production of pharmaceuticals and vaccines
- Production of antibiotics (e.g. penicillin) by fungi or bacteria.
- Production of monoclonal antibodies in cell cultures.
- Development of vaccines such as against viruses (e.g. influenza, COVID-19).
2. production of enzymes
- Enzymes such as amylases, proteases or lipases are produced in bioreactors by microorganisms and used in the food industry or medicine.
3. food and beverage industry
- Production of organic products such as beer, wine or fermented foods (e.g. yoghurt, sauerkraut).
- Production of amino acids or vitamin preparations.
4. environmental protection
- Use in waste water treatment, e.g. by microorganisms that break down pollutants.
- Production of biodegradable plastics such as polylactic acid (PLA).
5. agriculture and plant production
- Production of biological pesticides based on nematodes or microorganisms.
- Cultivation of microorganisms for soil improvement.
6. energy production
- Production of biogas (methane) through fermentation of biomass.
- Production of biofuels such as ethanol from sugar or cellulose.
Nützliche Nematoden für den Einsatz im Pflanzenschutz werden in Bioreaktoren produziert