Bioreactor

Abstract

To provide a bioreactor capable of stably supplying oxygen into a pool while stably forming a Taylor vortex.SOLUTION: The bioreactor includes a fixed cylindrical surface centered on an axis extending in a vertical direction, a rotating cylindrical surface extending around the axis, defining and forming a pool as a culture area between the fixed cylindrical surface and the rotating cylindrical surface facing each other in a radial direction of the axis, and being rotatable around the axis, a drive unit that rotationally drives the rotating cylindrical surface around the axis, a bottom plate portion that defines the pool from below and forms a bottom surface extending uniformly in a circumferential direction, and an aeration portion that supplies air bubbles formed below the bottom surface upward from the bottom surface.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to bioreactors. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a bioreactor for culturing cells. This bioreactor has a double-cylinder structure with a rotating inner cylinder and a fixed outer cylinder. A pool for containing a culture solution is defined between the inner and outer cylinders. When the inner cylinder rotates, Taylor vortices are formed in the culture solution contained in the pool. The Taylor vortices agitate the culture solution, promoting cell culture.

[0003] In order to stably form the Taylor vortices, it is desirable that the bottom of the pool be uniformly smooth, because any protrusions from the bottom of the pool can disrupt the flow and cause the Taylor vortices to collapse. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 8-308560 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] On the other hand, oxygen must be supplied to the pool filled with culture medium for the cells to breathe, so measures must be taken to ensure that the pool bottom is smooth and provide a route for oxygen supply.

[0006] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a bioreactor that can stably form Taylor vortices and stably supply oxygen into the pool. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above problems, the bioreactor according to the present disclosure includes a fixed cylindrical surface having an axis extending in a vertical direction as its center, a rotating cylindrical surface extending about the axis and radially opposing the axis to define a pool as a culture region between the fixed cylindrical surface and rotatable about the axis, a drive unit that drives the rotating cylinder to rotate about the axis, a bottom plate that defines the pool from below and forms a bottom surface that extends uniformly in a circumferential direction, and an aeration unit that supplies bubbles formed below the bottom surface upward from the bottom surface. Equipped with. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a bioreactor that can stably form Taylor vortices and stably supply oxygen into the pool. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a bioreactor according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a main part of the bioreactor according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV in FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a modified example of the bioreactor according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure, and corresponds to the cross-sectional view taken along line III-III in FIG. 1. [Figure 6] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of a bioreactor according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure, and corresponds to the cross-sectional view taken along line III-III in FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a main part of a bioreactor according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure, which corresponds to the cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV in FIG. 2. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the configuration of a bioreactor according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure, and corresponds to the cross-sectional view taken along line III-III in FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a modified example of the bioreactor according to the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure, and corresponds to the cross-sectional view taken along line III-III in FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a bioreactor according to a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] 11 is a diagram showing a modified example of the bioreactor according to the fifth embodiment of the present disclosure, and corresponds to the cross-sectional view taken along line XI-XI in FIG. 10. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] First Embodiment (Configuration of Bioreactor 1) A bioreactor 1 according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to Figures 1 to 4. The bioreactor 1 shown in Figure 1 is an apparatus for growing cells, producing viral vectors, or producing antibodies, and is also applicable to animal cell culture in general. The bioreactor 1 includes an inner cylinder 10, a drive unit 20, an outer cylinder 30, a top plate 40, a bottom plate 50, an aeration unit 60, a cell supply unit 70, and a liquid supply unit 80.

[0011] (inner cylinder 10) The inner cylinder 10 has a cylindrical shape centered on an axis X extending in the vertical direction. The diameter of the inner cylinder 10 is constant over the entire vertical direction. The outer circumferential surface of the inner cylinder 10 is a rotating cylindrical surface 11. The inner cylinder 10 is driven to rotate about the axis X by an electric motor serving as a drive unit 20 arranged on the axis X.

[0012] (Outer cylinder 30) The outer cylinder 30 has a cylindrical shape centered on the axis X, and faces the inner cylinder 10 from the outer peripheral side with a radial gap therebetween. The inner diameter dimension of the outer cylinder 30 is constant over the entire area in the direction of the axis X. The inner peripheral surface of the outer cylinder 30 is a fixed cylindrical surface 31. The space defined between the fixed cylindrical surface 31 and the rotating cylindrical surface 11 is a pool P to which the culture medium is supplied.

[0013] (Top plate 40) An opening on one side of the outer cylinder 30 in the direction of the axis X (i.e., the upper side in the vertical direction) is closed by a top plate portion 40. The top plate portion 40 is disk-shaped and centered on the axis X. An opening through which the output shaft of the drive unit 20 is inserted is formed in the center of the top plate portion 40. In addition, a hole (air discharge portion 110) is formed in part of the circumferential direction of the top plate portion 40 for discharging part of the air supplied into the pool P to the outside. The surface of the top plate portion 40 facing downward is defined as a top surface 41. A space in which air is stored is formed between the top surface 41 and the liquid surface.

[0014] (Bottom plate part 50) The opening on the other side of the outer cylinder 30 in the direction of the axis X (i.e., the lower side in the vertical direction) is closed by a bottom plate portion 50. The bottom plate portion 50 is disk-shaped and centered on the axis X. The surface of the bottom plate portion 50 facing upward is the bottom surface 51. In other words, the bottom surface 51, the fixed cylindrical surface 31, the rotating cylindrical surface 11, and the top surface 41 form the pool P described above.

[0015] The lower end face of the inner cylinder 10 faces the bottom face 51 with a small clearance between them. The size of this clearance is small compared to the overall size of the bioreactor 1. The vertical dimension of the clearance is set to, for example, 1 / 1000 to 1 / 100 of the vertical length of the outer cylinder 30. The dimension of the clearance is set to, for example, 1 mm to 10 mm.

[0016] (Aeration unit 60) In addition, an aeration unit 60 (sparger) is provided on the bottom surface 51 to supply air for cells to breathe into the liquid in the pool P. The aeration unit 60 is housed in a recess 52 formed in the bottom surface 51 of the bottom plate portion 50. As shown in FIG. 3, four recesses 52 are provided on the bottom surface 51 at equal intervals of 90° in the circumferential direction about the axis X. The recesses 52 have a rectangular shape when viewed from the direction of the axis X, and the longitudinal direction coincides with the radial direction about the axis X. The sides extending in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction extend in the tangential direction of a circle centered on the axis X.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 2 or 4, the air diffusing unit 60 includes a bubble generating unit 61 and an air supply pipe 62. The bubble generating unit 61 is a cylindrical unit integrally formed from ceramics or a three-dimensional fibrous member. That is, the bubble generating unit 61 has many fine pores inside and on its surface. The air supply pipe 62 is connected to the bubble generating unit 61. When air is supplied from the outside through the air supply pipe 62, fine bubbles are generated in the liquid through the fine pores in the bubble generating unit 61. The bubble generating unit 61 and the air supply pipe 62 are housed in the recess 52 and do not protrude above the bottom surface 51. That is, the air diffusing unit 60 can supply fine bubbles formed below the bottom surface 51 upward from the bottom surface 51.

[0018] The microbubbles preferably have a diameter of 1 μm or more and 500 μm or less. More preferably, the maximum diameter is 150 μm. Most preferably, the maximum diameter is 60 μm. This is because the rising bubbles may disturb the flow and cause the Taylor vortices to collapse. Specifically, large bubbles have a large force to expel liquid, causing disturbance to the flow. In contrast, microbubbles have a slow rising speed and a small force to expel liquid, allowing the formation of Taylor vortices to be maintained. This also improves the rate of oxygen dissolution, making high-density cultivation possible.

[0019] (Cell supply section 70 / liquid supply section 80) Furthermore, a tube serving as a cell supply unit 70 for supplying cells into pool P and a tube serving as a liquid supply unit 80 for supplying liquid (culture medium) into pool P are inserted into bottom plate unit 50. These tubes pass vertically through bottom plate unit 50, with their downstream ends opening inside pool P. Various tanks and the like are connected to their upstream ends. It is also desirable to provide a pump or the like at a midpoint on these tubes for pressure-feeding liquid and cells.

[0020] In addition, the bottom plate portion 50 is provided with a liquid discharge portion 90, which is a pipe for discharging the liquid (culture solution) in the pool P and adjusting the liquid level appropriately.

[0021] (Action and effect) The bioreactor 1 described above has a double-cylinder structure comprising a rotating inner cylinder 10 and a fixed outer cylinder 30. A pool P containing a culture solution is partitioned and formed between the inner cylinder 10 and the outer cylinder 30. As the inner cylinder 10 rotates, Taylor vortices are formed in the culture solution contained in the pool P. The Taylor vortices stir the culture solution, promoting cell culture. To ensure stable formation of Taylor vortices, it is desirable that the bottom surface 51 of the pool P has a uniform, smooth surface shape. This is because any protrusions from the bottom surface 51 of the pool P disrupt the flow and cause the Taylor vortices to collapse.

[0022] On the other hand, oxygen must be supplied to the pool P filled with the culture solution for the cells to respire. Therefore, measures must be taken to provide a route for oxygen supply while ensuring that the bottom surface 51 of the pool P is smooth. To solve this problem, the present embodiment employs the above-described configurations.

[0023] According to the above configuration, the aeration unit 60 forms bubbles below the bottom surface 51 of the pool P, so there is no need to place the aeration unit 60 itself in the culture area. Therefore, no protrusions are formed on the bottom surface 51. Therefore, Taylor vortices can be stably formed while enabling the supply of bubbles into the pool P.

[0024] According to the above configuration, the bubble generating portion 61 is provided in the recess 52. As a result, the bubble generating portion 61 does not protrude above the bottom surface 51. Therefore, no protrusion is formed on the bottom surface 51. Therefore, it is possible to supply bubbles into the pool P while stably forming Taylor vortices.

[0025] According to the above configuration, the recess 52 extends in the radial direction as the longitudinal direction. This allows bubbles (oxygen) to be supplied over a wide range in the radial direction to the flow of culture solution circulating around the axis X. This allows the activity of the cells in the pool P to be maintained at a high level.

[0026] The first embodiment of the present disclosure has been described above. Note that various changes and modifications can be made to the above configurations without departing from the gist of the present disclosure.

[0027] For example, a configuration shown in Fig. 5 may be employed as a modified example of the first embodiment. In the example shown in Fig. 5, four recesses 52 are provided on the bottom surface 51 at equal intervals of 90° in the circumferential direction about the axis X. When viewed from the direction of the axis X, the recesses 52 have a rectangular shape, and the longitudinal direction coincides with the tangent direction of a circle centered on the axis X. The sides extending in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction extend in a radial direction about the axis X.

[0028] According to this configuration, the projected area of ​​the recess 52 as viewed from the direction of the flow of the culture solution circulating around the axis X is kept small. This reduces the possibility that the flow will be disturbed by the recess 52. As a result, the growth of Taylor vortices is promoted, and the culture solution can be stirred efficiently.

[0029] In addition, the number of recesses 52 and air diffusion units 60 provided is just an example, and it is also possible to provide three or less recesses 52 and air diffusion units 60, or five or more recesses 52 and air diffusion units 60. Even in this case, the same effects as those described above can be obtained.

[0030] Second Embodiment Next, a second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Note that the same components as those in the first embodiment above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0031] As shown in Fig. 6, in this embodiment, a plurality of recesses 52 are formed in a circumferential region centered on the axis X, with the recesses 52 being unevenly distributed in a portion of the region. More specifically, the recesses 52 are provided in one of four sections divided by two straight lines that pass through the axis X and are perpendicular to each other. Within the section, three recesses 52 are arranged at equal angular intervals of 45°. As in the first embodiment, the longitudinal direction of each recess 52 coincides with the radial direction.

[0032] (Action and effect) In order to ensure stable growth of Taylor vortices, it is desirable that the bottom surface of the pool be a smooth surface without any recesses. According to the above configuration, by limiting the number of recesses to a certain area in the circumferential direction, it is possible to realize growth of Taylor vortices and recovery from turbulence in the remaining area in the circumferential direction. This further promotes the growth of Taylor vortices, enabling more efficient stirring of the culture solution.

[0033] The second embodiment of the present disclosure has been described above. Note that various changes and modifications can be made to the above configurations without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

[0034] For example, in the second embodiment described above, an example was described in which a recess 52 is provided in one of four compartments in the circumferential direction. However, it is also possible to provide recesses 52 in two or three adjacent compartments depending on indicators such as the flow velocity distribution and viscosity coefficient of the culture solution, or on the design and specifications. Furthermore, the number of recesses 52 provided in one compartment is not limited to three and can be changed as appropriate. Even in this case, the same effects as those described above can be obtained.

[0035] Third Embodiment Next, a third embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Note that the same components as those in the above embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0036] 7, in this embodiment, a guide 53 is provided next to the recess 52. The guide 53 is thin and covers a part of the opening area of ​​the recess 52 on the bottom surface 51, on the upstream side in the rotation direction of the drive unit 20. In other words, the guide 53 reduces at least a part of the total opening area of ​​the recess 52 on the upstream side.

[0037] (Action and effect) According to the above configuration, a guide 53 is provided in a portion of the opening region of the recess 52 on the upstream side in the direction of the culture solution flow. This guide 53 makes it possible to reduce the apparent area of ​​the opening region. As a result, the smoothness of the bottom surface 51 is increased while maintaining the amount of bubble generation, making it possible to minimize the collapse of Taylor vortices caused by the formation of the recess 52. As a result, the stirring of the culture solution by the Taylor vortices is promoted, and cell activity can be maintained in a good state.

[0038] The third embodiment of the present disclosure has been described above. Note that various changes and modifications can be made to the above configurations without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

[0039] For example, the guide 53 described in the third embodiment can be applied in combination with the configuration of the first or second embodiment described above. With this configuration, the effects described in each embodiment can be obtained in a composite manner.

[0040] <Fourth embodiment> Next, a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Fig. 8. Note that the same components as those described in the above embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 8, the bioreactor 1 according to this embodiment further includes a perforated plate 54. The perforated plate 54 is disposed along the bottom surface 51 and extends in the circumferential direction of the axis X. Specifically, the perforated plate 54 has an annular shape centered on the axis X. The perforated plate 54 closes the recess 52 from above. A perforated metal is preferably used as the perforated plate 54. Alternatively, a mesh-like material formed from a large number of fibers is also preferably used. This type of member has a large number of holes uniformly distributed on its surface.

[0042] (Action and effect) Here, Taylor vortices in pool P have the characteristic that they are less likely to collapse, even if minute holes or the like are formed in bottom surface 51, as long as these holes are uniformly dispersed. This is because, when the hole diameter is sufficiently small compared to the size of the vortex, it can be said that the smoothness of bottom surface 51 is ensured macroscopically. According to the above configuration, recesses 52 are covered from above by perforated plate 54. This improves the apparent smoothness and uniformity of bottom surface 51 compared to a configuration in which recesses 52 are open. Therefore, Taylor vortices are less likely to collapse, allowing for more efficient and stable stirring of the culture solution. As a result, the activity of cells in the culture solution can be maintained in an even better state.

[0043] The fourth embodiment of the present disclosure has been described above. Note that various changes and modifications can be made to the above configurations without departing from the gist of the present disclosure.

[0044] For example, the perforated plate 54 does not necessarily have to extend over the entire circumferential direction. As another example, it is possible to adopt a configuration in which the perforated plate 54 is provided only on a portion of the circumferential direction in the configuration described in the second embodiment (see FIG. 9). With this configuration, it is possible to obtain the combined effects described in each embodiment.

[0045] Fifth Embodiment Next, a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Fig. 10. Note that the same components as those in the above-described embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0046] 10, in the bioreactor 201 according to this embodiment, the bottom plate 150 is formed from a porous body. The porous body here refers to a plate-like member made of ceramics or three-dimensional fiber, and has fine pores penetrating the interior and surface thereof.

[0047] Furthermore, an air introduction chamber A, to which air can be supplied from the outside, is defined below the bottom plate portion 150. The air diffusion portion 160 is composed of the bottom plate portion 150 and the air introduction chamber A.

[0048] (Action and effect) Here, Taylor vortices in pool P have the characteristic that they are less likely to collapse, even if minute holes are formed in bottom surface 51, as long as these holes are uniformly dispersed. According to the above configuration, the entire bottom plate portion 150 is formed of a porous material. Therefore, compared to a configuration in which recesses 52 and the like are dispersed, the apparent smoothness and uniformity of bottom surface 51 can be improved. Therefore, Taylor vortices are less likely to collapse, making it possible to stir the culture solution more efficiently and stably. As a result, the activity of cells in the culture solution can be maintained in an even better state.

[0049] The fifth embodiment of the present disclosure has been described above. Note that various changes and modifications can be made to the above configuration without departing from the gist of the present disclosure.

[0050] For example, as shown in FIG. 11 , the air introduction chamber A may be divided into multiple compartments S in the circumferential direction by partition members 160. In other words, the air introduction chamber A is divided into multiple compartments S when viewed from the direction of the axis X. With this configuration, the partition members 160 that separate the compartments can compensate for the reduction in strength and rigidity that occurs when the bottom plate portion 150 is made of a porous body. It is also possible to equalize the pressure within the air introduction chamber A. This makes it possible to generate more uniform air bubbles in all the compartments.

[0051] <Additional Notes> The bioreactor 1 described in each embodiment can be understood, for example, as follows.

[0052] (1) A bioreactor according to a first aspect includes a fixed cylindrical surface 31 centered on an axis X extending in a vertical direction, a rotating cylindrical surface 11 extending about the axis X and radially opposing the axis X, which defines a pool P as a culture area between the fixed cylindrical surface 31 and is rotatable about the axis X, a drive unit 20 that drives the rotating cylindrical surface 11 to rotate about the axis X, a bottom plate unit 50 that defines the pool P from below and forms a bottom surface 51 that extends uniformly in a circumferential direction, and an aeration unit 60 that supplies bubbles formed below the bottom surface 51 upward from the bottom surface 51.

[0053] According to the above configuration, it is possible to supply air bubbles into the pool P while stably forming Taylor vortices.

[0054] (2) The bioreactor 1 according to the second aspect is the bioreactor 1 of (1), wherein the bottom plate portion 50 has a recess 52 recessed downward from the bottom surface 51, and the aeration portion 60 comprises a bubble formation portion 61 provided in the recess 52 and an air supply pipe 62 that supplies air from the outside to the bubble formation portion 61.

[0055] According to the above configuration, it is possible to supply air bubbles into the pool P while stably forming Taylor vortices.

[0056] (3) The bioreactor 1 according to a third aspect is the bioreactor 1 of (2), wherein the recess 52 extends in the radial direction of the axis X as the longitudinal direction.

[0057] According to the above configuration, the activity of the cells in pool P can be maintained at a high level.

[0058] (4) The bioreactor 1 according to a fourth aspect is the bioreactor 1 of (2), wherein the recess 52 extends in a tangential direction of a circle centered on the axis X.

[0059] According to the above configuration, the growth of Taylor vortices is promoted, and the culture solution can be stirred efficiently.

[0060] (5) The bioreactor 1 according to the fifth aspect is a bioreactor 1 according to any one of aspects (2) to (4), in which the recesses 52 are formed in a concentrated manner in a partial area of ​​the circumferential area centered on the axis X.

[0061] According to the above configuration, the growth of Taylor vortices is further promoted, and the culture solution can be stirred more efficiently.

[0062] (6) The bioreactor 1 according to the sixth aspect is the bioreactor 1 of (2), further comprising a guide 53 that covers a portion of the opening area of ​​the recess 52 to the bottom surface 51 on the upstream side in the direction of rotation of the rotating cylindrical surface.

[0063] According to the above configuration, the stirring of the culture medium is promoted, and the activity of the cells can be maintained in a good state.

[0064] (7) The bioreactor 1 according to the seventh aspect is a bioreactor 1 according to any one of the aspects (2) to (6), and has a perforated plate 54 arranged along the bottom surface 51 and extending circumferentially about the axis X, and the perforated plate 54 closes the recess 52 from above.

[0065] According to the above configuration, the activity of the cells in the culture solution can be maintained in an even better state.

[0066] (8) The bioreactor 201 according to the eighth aspect is the bioreactor 201 of (1), wherein the bottom plate portion 150 is formed from a porous body, an air introduction chamber A to which air can be supplied from the outside is defined below the bottom plate portion 150, and the aeration section 160 is constituted by the bottom plate portion 150 and the air introduction chamber A.

[0067] According to the above configuration, the activity of the cells in the culture solution can be maintained in an even better state.

[0068] (9) A bioreactor 201 according to a ninth aspect is the bioreactor 201 of (8), wherein the air introduction chamber A is divided into a plurality of sections S in the circumferential direction.

[0069] According to the above configuration, the reduction in rigidity caused by providing the air introduction chamber A can be compensated for by the partition member provided between the sections S. In addition, the pressure inside the air introduction chamber A can be made uniform.

[0070] (10) The bioreactor 1 according to a tenth aspect is the bioreactor 1 according to any one of the aspects (1) to (9), wherein the diameter of the bubbles is 1 μm or more and 500 μm or less.

[0071] According to the above configuration, the possibility of the Taylor vortexes collapsing in the culture medium can be reduced.

[0072] (11) The bioreactor 1 according to an eleventh aspect is the bioreactor 1 of (7), wherein the perforated plate 54 is provided only partially in the circumferential direction on the bottom surface 51.

[0073] According to the above configuration, the turbulence of the Taylor vortex can be restored in the area where the porous plate 54 is not provided. [Explanation of symbols]

[0074] 1,201...bioreactors 10...Inner cylinder 11...Cylindrical surface of revolution 20...Drive unit 30...Outer cylinder 31...Fixed cylindrical surface 40...Top plate 41...Top 50,150…Bottom plate part 51...Bottom 52...recess 53... Guide 54...Perforated plate 60,160...Aeration section 61...Bubble forming section 62...Air supply pipe 70...Cell supply section 80...Liquid supply section 90…Liquid discharge part 110...Air exhaust section 150…Bottom plate part A...Air intake chamber P...Pool X…Axis line

Claims

1. a fixed cylindrical surface centered on an axis extending in the vertical direction; a rotating cylindrical surface extending about the axis, partitioning a pool as a culture area between the fixed cylindrical surface facing the axis in a radial direction, and the rotating cylindrical surface being rotatable about the axis; a drive unit that drives the rotating cylindrical surface to rotate around the axis; A bottom plate portion that defines the pool from below and forms a bottom surface that extends uniformly in the circumferential direction; an aeration unit that supplies bubbles formed below the bottom surface upward from the bottom surface; A bioreactor comprising:

2. the bottom plate portion has a recessed portion recessed downward from the bottom surface, The aeration unit is a bubble forming portion provided in the recess; an air supply pipe for supplying air from the outside to the air bubble forming section; The bioreactor of claim 1 , comprising:

3. The bioreactor according to claim 2 , wherein the recess extends in a radial direction of the axis as a longitudinal direction.

4. The bioreactor according to claim 2 , wherein the recess extends in a tangential direction of a circle centered on the axis.

5. The bioreactor according to claim 2 , wherein a plurality of the recesses are formed in a circumferential region around the axis, the plurality of recesses being unevenly formed in a partial region.

6. The bioreactor according to claim 2 , further comprising a guide that covers a part of the opening area of ​​the recess to the bottom surface, on the upstream side in the rotation direction of the rotating cylindrical surface.

7. a perforated plate disposed along the bottom surface and extending in a circumferential direction of the axis, The bioreactor according to claim 2 , wherein the perforated plate closes the recess from above.

8. the bottom plate portion is formed from a porous body, An air introduction chamber capable of supplying air from the outside is defined below the bottom plate portion, 2. The bioreactor according to claim 1, wherein the aeration section is constituted by the bottom plate section and the air introduction chamber.

9. 9. The bioreactor according to claim 8, wherein the air introduction chamber is divided into a plurality of compartments in the circumferential direction.

10. 5. The bioreactor according to claim 1, wherein the diameter of the bubbles is 1 μm or more and 500 μm or less.

11. The bioreactor according to claim 7, wherein the perforated plate is provided only on a portion of the bottom plate in the circumferential direction.

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