Bioreactors

Specialized equipment for biotechnological processes, fermentations and cell cultures with total control of bioprocess variables.

Benefits

Functionality / Applications

Biotechnology, cell biology, pharmaceutical production.

Controlled fermentation for food and beverages.

Types of industrial bioreactors

1. Biorreactores discontinuos (Batch)

The medium and microorganisms/cells are loaded at the beginning.
Nothing is added or removed until the process is complete.
Simple control.
Widely used in fermentation, basic cultures and batch production.

2. Semi-continuous bioreactors (Fed-Batch)

It begins with a batch culture.
Then the substrate is added in a controlled and progressive manner.
It allows for growth control, avoidance of inhibitions, and increased productivity.
It is the most commonly used type in industrial biotechnology (enzymes, proteins, drugs).

3. Continuous bioreactors

Constant feeding and continuous extraction of the product.
They maintain the crop in a steady state.
High productivity and efficiency.
Widely used in large-scale bioprocesses and continuous fermentations.

4. Stirred Tank Reactors (STR)

The most common ones in the industry.
They use mechanical agitators.
Ideal for homogeneous mixtures and precise control.

5. Bubble column bioreactors

They don't have agitators.
Mixture achieved by aeration.
Common in biomass production and aerobic crops.

6. Air-lift bioreactors

Circulation generated by differences in air density.
Lower shear stress.
Ideal for sensitive cultures (animal or plant cells).

7. Membrane bioreactors

They separate biomass and product through filtration.
Widely used in water treatment and continuous bioprocesses.

8. Fixed bed or fluidized bed bioreactors

They support immobilized microorganisms.
High cell density.
Common in specialized fermentations and residual bioprocesses.