Question

Bioreactors are the containment vehicles of any biotechnology-based production process. For large scale production and for economic reasons the final success of biotechnological process depends on the efficiency of the bioreactor.

Answer the following questions w.r.t. the given paragraph:

1. List the operational guidelines that must be adhered to so as to achieve optimisation of the bioreactor system. Enlist any four.
2. Mention the phase of the growth we refer to in the statement "Optimisation of growth and metabolic activity of the cells".
3. Is the biological product formed in the bioreactor suitable for the intended use immediate? Give reason in support of your answer.

Answer 1

(i) The following operational rules must be followed to optimise the bioreactor system:

1. Monitoring and control of critical factors: For the biological system to function optimally and generate at its optimum, it's critical to monitor and control critical factors including temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen levels, and nutrient concentrations. This can be done by using sensors and control systems that can adjust these parameters as needed.
2. Optimization of mixing and aeration: To ensure that nutrients and oxygen are supplied evenly throughout the biological system, effective mixing and aeration are essential. The mixing and aeration rate should be tailored to the specific needs of the system and the characteristics of the used bioreactor.
3. Contamination reduction: Maintaining aseptic conditions is essential to prevent contamination throughout the procedure because contamination can severely impair the biological system's production. To accomplish this, sterile tools, air filtering devices, and other appropriate techniques can be used.
4. Bioreactor upkeep and cleaning: The bioreactor needs to be regularly maintained and cleaned in order to operate at its best and last for a long time.

(ii) In the sentence "Optimization of growth and metabolic activity of the cells," the term "exponential phase of growth" is used to describe this stage of growth.

(iii) The biological product in the bioreactor may or may not be suitable for immediate use, depending on the specific product and how it will be used. A biological product frequently needs to be further processed and purified before it can be used for its intended purpose. This is because there's a chance the product includes impurities or other components that could be hazardous or alter how well it works. The purification process can make use of several techniques, including filtration, chromatography, centrifugation, and others. Additionally, some biological products would require testing and validation to guarantee that they meet the statutory and regulatory requirements essential for their intended use. Tests and analyses may be performed to determine the product's purity, activity, and safety.