Researchers 3D Print Bioreactors for Bioprocess Development

A recent study has showcased a 3D printed, single-use bioreactor, enhancing upstream bioprocess development by enabling real-time growth monitoring. This bioreactor, detailed in a paper in Processes, is tailored for mammalian and microbial cultivation, leveraging additive manufacturing to create radiation-sterilizable vessels. Its design diverges from traditional bioreactors by considering vessel geometry as a variable element, an approach previously limited by the constraints of classical manufacturing methods.

The bioreactor, with a 90 mL working volume, incorporates fully integrated single-use pH and DO sensors, along with an inline biomass sensor applicable for both mammalian and microbial cultures. This sensor arrangement permits the transformation of inline biomass measurements to TCD and OD600 values, aligning well with offline measurements for effective growth phase monitoring. A unique feature of this bioreactor is its levitating magnetic stirrer, which minimizes contamination risks by eliminating the need for a penetrating stirrer shaft.

Key findings from the study indicate no growth-inhibiting substances leaching from the vessel material, asserting the bioreactor’s suitability for sensitive biological processes. Future improvements suggested include enhancing the system’s cooling capabilities, especially for processes like E. coli cultivation.

The study’s implications for bioprocess development are significant. It emphasizes the potential of additive manufacturing in bioreactor design, advocating for vessel geometry as an optimizable parameter. This perspective opens new avenues for customized bioprocess solutions, breaking away from the limitations of traditional manufacturing techniques and improving biopharmaceutical production and research.

You can read the study in full over at this link.

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