Class Fundamentals of Bioreactors

Knowledge about the nature and characteristics of different types of bioreactors used in biotechnological production processes

Knowledge of operating modes, selection criteria, basic notions of design and scaling

Bioreactors: an introduction. Classification and characteristics of bioreactors as a function of the mode of operation (discontinuous, continuous, semi-continuous); of fluid flow conditions (with or without agitation/stirring); the nature of the culture medium (submerged or solid state)

Submerged cultures: rheology, mixing and agitation. Mechanisms of heat transfer (conduction and convection) and mass (diffusion and convection). Gas-liquid mass transfer. Mixing and aerating equipment.

Sustained cell reactive systems. Kinetics of cell growth, substrate consumption and product formation. Yields

Practical aspects of building a bioreactor: materials, sterilization mechanisms for media culture and air, monitoring and control systems, thermostating equipment.

Operation with bioreactors. Comparison of different types of bioreactors. Introduction to reactor modeling: batch reactor, continuous stirred reactor and tubular reactor

Teaching: theoretical classes (expository, power point presentations, previously available) for presentation and debate of theoretical concepts and case studies; theoretical-practical classes where different type exercises are proposed and carried out, following sequentially the themes presented in the theoretical sessions. In this context, students work on practical cases to solve real-world problems. In solving and analyzing problems, they also use knowledge acquired in other CUs, promoting collaborative learning. Students are encouraged to study content at home using a variety of devices and platforms, including mobile devices, before class for later class discussion and group work.
Continuous evaluation
Written tests (two tests or a final global test) minimum average of 10 values, or minimum classification of 10 values, respectively (70% of the final grade) and a written work (30% of the final grade).
Exam
Final written exam

Maiti, B.R. (2018) Principles of Bioreactor Design, India: MV Learning (ISBN 978-9387692824)

Mandenius, C.-F. (2016) Bioreactors: Design, Operation and Novel Applications. Weinheim: Wiley-VCH (ISBN 978-3527337682)

Morchain, J. (2017) Bioreactor Modeling. Oxford: Elsevier (ISBN 978-1-78548-116-1)