¿Cómo funciona un BIORREACTOR?
How Does a Bioreactor Work?
Introduction to Bioreactors
- César Huallpa introduces the topic of bioreactors, emphasizing their significance in biotechnology research and various industrial applications, including brewing and pharmaceuticals.
Definition and Functionality
- A bioreactor is defined as a vessel where biological reactions occur, such as alcoholic fermentation for beer production, converting wort sugars like maltose into ethanol.
- The biological agents involved in these reactions include yeasts, bacteria, animal cells, plant cells, and enzymes. Optimal working conditions (pH, temperature, aeration, agitation) are crucial for their efficiency.
Types and Sizes of Bioreactors
- Bioreactors come in various sizes; examples include 3L laboratory models and larger industrial ones exceeding 500L. Smaller volumes are used for initial investigations while larger volumes are necessary for mass production.
Focus on Stirred-Tank Bioreactor (STR)
- The discussion centers on the Stirred-Tank Bioreactor (STR), commonly used at both laboratory and industrial scales. It consists of a tank where biological reactions take place with the necessary raw materials.
Importance of Monitoring Reactions
- Understanding when to stop the bioreactor to optimize product recovery is vital in industrial biotechnology.
Mechanism of Mixing
- The STR operates similarly to a kitchen blender with stirring systems that mix contents effectively using bladed turbines powered by a motor.
Structural Features Enhancing Efficiency
- Baffles within the bioreactor enhance mixing by creating vertical flow patterns along the tank walls.
Control Systems in Bioreactors
- Sensors monitor critical variables inside the bioreactor. Controllers manage fluctuations through actuators that respond to changes—like adjusting pH levels by pumping acids when needed.
Conclusion
- César concludes by encouraging viewers to engage with the content if they found it informative.