Bioreactor and reactor tank for educational and household use

Abstract

A bioreactor (1), in particular for cultivating microorganisms or cell lines, comprising a reactor tank (2) and a stirrer (6), wherein the reactor tank (2) comprises a lid (5), a lateral surface component (4) and a base (3), wherein the lid (5) is detachably connected to a top end (14) of the lateral surface component (4) via a form- and / or force-fit connection, that the base (3) is detachably connected to a bottom end (7) of the lateral surface component (4) via a form- and / or force-fit connection. Further, a reactor tank (2) is described.

Description

[0001] Bioreactor and reactor tank for educational and household use

[0002] The present invention relates to a bioreactor, in particular for cultivating microorganisms or cell lines, comprising a reactor tank and a stirrer, wherein the reactor tank comprises a lid, a lateral surface component and a base, wherein the lid is detachably connected to a top end of the lateral surface component via a form- and / or force-fit connection.

[0003] Further, the present invention relates to a reactor tank, in particular for a bioreactor according to any one of claims 1 to 14, comprising a lid, a lateral surface component and a base, wherein the lid is detachably connected to a top end of the lateral surface component via a form- and / or force-fit connection.

[0004] Biotechnological products ranging from highly specific biological drugs, cell and gene therapies to alternative proteins / cellular agriculture and cultivated meat are on the rise and have entered daily lives of many people. For manufacturing these products bioreactors are used to cultivate microorganisms or cell lines, for example bacteria, yeast, animal cells or human cells. Known bioreactors comprise a reactor tank with a bottom, sidewalls and a lid. The bottom is either welded to the sidewalls or the bottom and the sidewalls are integral formed, for example by deep drawing. In order to evenly distribute the contents of the reactor tank, for example microorganisms, nutrient solution and air, a stirrer is arranged inside the reactor tank.

[0005] A problem of the known bioreactors is their complex architecture. Another drawback is that highly specialized handling / cleaning procedures are necessary due to the complex design of the bioreactors. Hence, the known bioreactors are not suitable for being used for household applications, screenings and smaller scale test series as well as educational equipment in schools, for example to teach the concept of cellular agriculture.

[0006] Embodiments of the present invention therefore address the problem of improving and further developing a bioreactor and a reactor tank such that it has a simple construction and is easy to handle and to clean. In a first aspect, the present invention provides a bioreactor, in particular for cultivating microorganisms or cell lines, comprising a reactor tank and a stirrer, wherein the reactor tank comprises a lid, a lateral surface component and a base, wherein the lid is detachably connected to a top end of the lateral surface component via a form- and / or force-fit connection, characterized in that the base is detachably connected to a bottom end of the lateral surface component via a form- and / or force-fit connection.

[0007] In a second aspect, the present invention provides a reactor tank, in particular for a bioreactor according to the first aspect, comprising a lid, a lateral surface component and a base, wherein the lid is detachably connected to a top end of the lateral surface component via a form- and / or force-fit connection, characterized in that the base is detachably connected to a bottom end of the lateral surface component via a form- and / or force-fit connection.

[0008] An advantage of the present invention is that the individual parts of the reactor tank are simple and inexpensive to manufacture. Further, the lid, the lateral surface component and the base can be completely assembled and disassembled by any user. Hence, the parts of the reactor tank can be easily cleaned, for example in a household dishwasher or laboratory autoclave, and are reusable. In addition, defective parts can be easily replaced. The bioreactor and reactor tank according to the invention have reduced usage complexity to the absolutely essential level. They are particularly suitable for product / process screening in Research and Development, teaching and educational measures at all levels and even households.

[0009] The reactor tank according to the second aspect may have any or all of the features and advantages described with respect to the reactor tank of the bioreactor according to the first aspect in the claims and the description.

[0010] In a further embodiment, said bottom end of the lateral surface component is detachably connected to the base via a screw connection and / or a plug connection and / or a flange connection and / or a bayonet connection. A screw connection has the advantage that it is easy to close and to open and that it provides a secure connection between the elements. A plug connection is extremely easy to produce. Connecting the elements via a flange connection provides a very robust connection. A bayonet connection has the advantage that the torque to be applied to open and close the connection is defined by the design. This prevents the parts from being screwed together too tightly and only being able to be loosened with a great deal of force.

[0011] According to an embodiment, the bottom end of the lateral surface component comprises a first connection means and the base comprises a second connection means, wherein the first and second connection means are complementary to each other. For example, an internal thread could be formed on the base and an external thread on the lateral surface component, or vice versa. Preferably, the internal / external thread could be a standardized thread being selected under consideration of the dimension of the lateral surface component. Furthermore, the first and second connection means could each be designed as part of a bayonet connection. Regardless of how the connection is designed, a fixing mechanism may also be provided. For example, the lateral surface component may first have to be pressed against a preloaded element before the connection means can be connected with each other. The preloaded element might be a plate being tensioned by a spring.

[0012] In a further embodiment, the lateral surface component and / or the lid and / or the base comprises steel, aluminum, glass, plastic and / or fiber-glass. Additionally or alternatively, these components of the bioreactor may comprise any alloys of aluminum or alloys of steel or alloys of other metals. According to a further embodiment, the surface the lateral surface component and / or of the lid and / or of the base is coated, for example with nanoparticles, proteins and / or peptides. Further, the bioreactor components are not necessarily made all from the same material. Instead, individual components may be made from one material, while other components are made from different materials. An advantage of steel, aluminum and fiber-glass is that it is easy to process and robust. Glass has the advantage that it can be easily cleaned. Plastic is advantageous because it is cheap and can be processed for example in 3D-printing. According to an embodiment, the lateral surface component is at least partially cylindrical. A cylindrical design provides the advantage that a screw connection or a bayonet connection can be made with little effort. Further, with a cylindrical shape of the lateral surface component, the internal volume can be produced in a simple way without comers, which simplifies cleaning of the reactor tank. Additionally, the top end of the lateral surface component can comprise a flange for connecting the lid to the top end.

[0013] In a further embodiment, the base comprises a stirrer mount, wherein the stirrer is rotatably arranged at the stirrer mount. The stirrer mount could be a screw or a pin. Preferably, the stirrer can be detachably connected to the stirrer mount and / or the stirrer mount can be detachably connected to the base, for example via a screw connection. Alternatively, the stirrer might be arranged at the free end of a driven shaft, which is protruding in the reactor tank. The shaft could be driven by an electric motor or any other suitable drive. Regardless of how the stirrer is designed, it may have an impeller that rotates, in order to distribute the contents in the reactor tank. The impeller can be of various shapes and types, for example a Rushton-impeller, a pitched-blade-impeller, a marine-impeller or an elephant-ear- impeller.

[0014] According to an embodiment, a stirring magnet, preferably a permanent magnet, is positioned at or in the stirrer and wherein a magnetic field generating device is arranged at or in the base for rotating the stirring magnet. Hence, the stirring magnet can be formed as an independent component being connected to the stirrer. Preferably, the magnet can be aligned with the base surface or can be parallel to the base surface. If the stirrer or a part of the stirrer, for example an impeller, is made of an appropriate material, it can serve as a magnet itself. According to an embodiment, the magnetic field generating device may comprise a plurality of electrical coils preferably arranged in a circle and a control device for switching the coils periodically on and off in such a way, that the stirring magnet rotates due to the magnetic fields induced by the electrical coils. Alternatively or additionally the magnetic field generating device may comprise at least one permanent magnet that could be rotated, for example by an electric motor, such that the stirrer magnet rotates due to magnetic interaction with the magnetic field of the at least one permanent magnet of the magnetic field generating device. As mentioned before, it is also possible that the stirrer comprises a driven shaft, which could be driven for example by an electric motor.

[0015] In a further embodiment, a heater, preferably a heater plate, is arranged at or in or below the base. According to an embodiment, the heater is a microheater, for example a serpentine platinum resistance element being applied to a substrate like quartz. Further, the resistance element could be electrically connected via leads, whereas the device comprises a cover layer, for example comprising silicon dioxide. Alternatively or additionally, a resistance heater might be arranged at or in the base or at the lateral surface component.

[0016] According to an embodiment, a protection plate is arranged on a side of the base facing the lateral surface component. In other words, the side of the base being perpendicular to the lateral surface component, i.e. the bottom side of the reactor tank. Preferably, the protection plate is flush with the lateral surface component and / or the protection plate is embedded into the base and preferably flush with the surrounding part of the base. The protection plate serves to protect the functional parts being located underneath it, for example, a heater and / or a stirrer drive. In other words, this component serves as a separating layer between the medium and the underlying functional components. Preferably, the protection plate is detachable from the base, for example via a form- and / or force-fit connection, such that it is easy to clean. In a further embodiment, the protection plate comprises a non-magnetic material and / or has a high thermal conductivity. Hence, the protection plate does not disturb a magnetic field generated by a magnetic field generating device. High thermal conductivity of the protection plate allows good efficiency with a heater placed underneath. The protection plate can comprise plastic, a 3d-printed material, acrylic glass, polytetrafluorethylen and / or steel.

[0017] In a further embodiment, the top end of the lateral surface component is detachably connected to the lid via a screw connection and / or a plug connection and / or a flange connection and / or a bayonet connection. According to an embodiment, the lid comprises at least one opening for arranging a connector nozzle of a sensor or for collection of a sample. Additionally or alternatively, the lid may have, preferably threaded, passages for receiving screws with which it can be fixed to threaded passages at the top end of the lateral surface component.

[0018] In a further embodiment, the reactor tank comprises a volume in the range of 100 ml to 3000 ml, preferably 250 ml to 2000 ml.

[0019] According to an embodiment, a gasket is arranged between the lid and the top end of the lateral surface component and / or a gasket is arranged between the base and the lower end of the lateral surface component. Providing a gasket between the specified components has the advantage that the bioreactor can work hermetically and with minimal probability for contamination.

[0020] In a further embodiment, the base comprises a mounting system to which the protection plate is attached. Further, the mounting system can comprise a second connection means for connecting the base to first connection means of the lateral surface component. Additionally, the mounting system can comprise a pocket for arranging and holding functional elements like a heater or a magnetic field generating device. Alternatively or additionally, a gasket can be arranged between the mounting system and the protection plate.

[0021] According to an embodiment, the bioreactor comprises at least one control element, for example to set and / or to control a temperature of a heater and / or a rotation speed of the stirrer / impeller. Additionally or alternatively, the bioreactor may comprise a control system for manipulating biochemical conditions and / or a gas concentration within the reactor tank and / or for controlling of and / or for communication with sensors being arranged at and / or in the bioreactor. The control element and / or the control system can comprise a user interface, for example a graphic user interface and / or a switch.

[0022] In a further embodiment, the reactor tank, preferably the lateral surface component, comprises a gripping area. The gripping area allows a person to better hold the bioreactor or the reactor tank. The gripping area can comprise grooves, dimples or any other structure that allows an easier handling of the device. Alternatively or additionally, the reactor tank, preferably the lateral surface component, may comprise handles or grips.

[0023] There are several ways how to design and further develop the teaching of the present invention in an advantageous way. To this end, it is to be referred to the patent claims subordinate to patent claim 1 on the one hand and to the following explanation of preferred examples of embodiments of the invention, illustrated by the drawing on the other hand. In connection with the explanation of the preferred embodiments of the invention by the aid of the drawing, generally preferred embodiments and further developments of the teaching will be explained. In the drawing

[0024] Fig. 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a bioreactor according to an embodiment of the present invention,

[0025] Fig. 2 shows a top view of the lateral surface component of the bioreactor according to Fig. 1 ,

[0026] Fig. 3 shows a top view of the lid of the bioreactor according to Fig. 1 ,

[0027] Fig. 4 shows a top view of the stirrer of the bioreactor according to Fig. 1 ,

[0028] Fig. 5 shows a perspective view of a bioreactor according to a further embodiment of the present invention,

[0029] Fig. 6 shows a cross-sectional view of the bioreactor according to Fig. 5,

[0030] Fig. 7 shows a perspective view of the lateral surface component of the bioreactor according to Fig. 5,

[0031] Fig. 8 shows a perspective view of the lid of the bioreactor according to Fig.

[0032] 5, Fig. 9 shows a perspective view of the base of the bioreactor according to Fig. 5.

[0033] Fig. 1 to 4 show a bioreactor according to an embodiment of the present invention. The bioreactor 1 comprises a reactor tank 2 having a base 3, a lateral surface component 4 and a lid 5. Further, the bioreactor 1 comprises a stirrer 6 with an impeller 20.

[0034] The bottom end 7 of the lateral surface component 4 comprises an external thread as a first connection means, 8 being complementary to a second connections means 9 of the base 3, namely an internal thread. Hence, the lateral surface component 4 and the base 3 can be detachably connected to each other via a screw connection. Alternatively, other types of detachable connections can also be provided.

[0035] The base 3 comprises a protection plate 10 and a stirrer mount 11. The stirrer 6 can be rotatably positioned at the stirrer mount 11. According to an embodiment, the stirrer mount 11 can be detachably connected to the base 3, for example via a screw connection. Further, a heater 12 and a magnetic field generating device 13 are arranged underneath the protection plate 10. The magnetic field generating device 13 serves as a drive for the stirrer 6. Further, a power source and / or a control device (both not shown) can be connected to the heater 12 and / or the magnetic field generating device 13. Furthermore, the bioreactor 1 can comprise a user interface for controlling the heater 12 and / or the magnetic field generating device 13, for example switching the same on / off and / or setting a temperature of the heater 13 or a rotational speed of the impeller 20.

[0036] As can be seen in Fig. 4, the stirrer 6 comprises a stirring magnet 15. The stirring magnet 15 and the impeller 20 are set in rotation by the magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generating device 13.

[0037] Further, Fig. 2 and 3 show that the top end 14 of the lateral surface component 4 and the lid 5 each comprise threaded passages 16, 16’ for screws (not shown). Hence, the lid 5 can be detachably connected to the top end 14 via a screw connection. Further, the lid 5 comprises a plurality of openings 17 for arranging a connector nozzle of a sensor or other elements (not shown).

[0038] In Fig. 1 and 2 it is further shown that the lateral surface component 4 is cylindrical. Further, a gripping area 21 is positioned at the lateral surface component 4 to facilitate the handling of the reactor tank 2.

[0039] The embodiment according to Fig. 5 to 9 corresponds in essence to the embodiment according to Fig. 1 to 5, so that reference is made to the description of the first embodiment in order to avoid repetition. In both embodiments, the same elements are provided with the same reference signs.

[0040] The reactor tank 2 shown in the Fig. 5 to 9 comprises a lateral surface component 4 that is detachably connected to the base 3 via an inner thread 8 arranged at the bottom end 7 and an external thread positioned at the base 3. Further, the lid 5 is connected via screws (not shown) to the top end 14 of the lateral surface component 4.

[0041] Further, in this embodiment the base 3 comprises a mounting system 18 to which the protection plate 10 is attached. A gasket (not shown) can be arranged between the mounting system 18 and the protection plate 10. Further, the mounting system 18 comprises the second connection means 9 for connecting the base 3 to the first connection means 8 of the bottom end 7. Moreover, the mounting system 18 comprises a pocket 19 for arranging and holding functional elements (not shown). Hence, different functional elements can be arranged as required, resulting in a modular design of the base 3. For example, a heater and a magnetic field generating device can be arranged in the pocket 19 or only a magnetic field generating device can be placed inside the pocket 19, whereby the heating of the reactor tank 2 being arranged for example at the lateral surface component 4. A large number of designs are conceivable due to this modular design.

[0042] Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention set forth herein will come to mind to the one skilled in the art to which the invention pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing description and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.

[0043] List of reference signs

[0044] 1 bioreactor

[0045] 2 reactor tank

[0046] 3 base

[0047] 4 lateral surface component

[0048] 5 lid

[0049] 6 stirrer

[0050] 7 bottom end

[0051] 8 first connection means

[0052] 9 second connections means

[0053] 10 protection plate

[0054] 11 stirrer mount

[0055] 12 heater

[0056] 13 magnetic field generating device

[0057] 14 top end

[0058] 15 stirring magnet 6, 16’ passage

[0059] 17 opening

[0060] 18 mounting system

[0061] 19 pocket

[0062] 20 impeller

[0063] 21 gripping area

Claims

C l a i m s1. Bioreactor (1 ), in particular for cultivating microorganisms or cell lines, comprising a reactor tank (2) and a stirrer (6), wherein the reactor tank (2) comprises a lid (5), a lateral surface component (4) and a base (3), wherein the lid (5) is detachably connected to a top end (14) of the lateral surface component (4) via a form- and / or force-fit connection, c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n that the base (3) is detachably connected to a bottom end (7) of the lateral surface component (4) via a form- and / or force-fit connection.

2. Bioreactor (1 ) according to claim 1 , wherein the bottom end (7) of the lateral surface component (4) is detachably connected to the base (3) via a screw connection and / or a plug connection and / or a flange connection and / or a bayonet connection.

3. Bioreactor (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the bottom end (7) of the lateral surface component (4) comprises a first connection means (8) and the base (3) comprises a second connection means (9), wherein the first and second connection means (8, 9) are complementary to each other.

4. Bioreactor (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the lateral surface component (4) and / or the base (3) and / or the lid (5) comprises steel, aluminum, glass, plastic and / or fiber-glass, and / or wherein a surface of the lateral surface component (4) and / or of the lid (5) and / or of the base (3) is coated, for example with nanoparticles, proteins and / or peptides.

5. Bioreactor (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the lateral surface component (4) is at least partially cylindrical.

6. Bioreactor (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the base (3) comprises a stirrer mount (11 ) and wherein the stirrer (6) is rotatably arranged at the stirrer mount (11 ).

7. Bioreactor (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein a stirring magnet (15) is positioned at or in the stirrer (6) and wherein a magnetic field generating device (13) is arranged at or in the base (3) for rotating the stirring magnet.

8. Bioreactor (1 ) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein a heater (10), preferably a heater plate, is arranged at or in the base (3).

9. Bioreactor (1 ) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein a protection plate (10) is arranged on a side of the base (3) perpendicular to the lateral surface component (4), preferably wherein the protection plate (10) is flush with the lateral surface component (4), and / or wherein a protection plate (10) is embedded into the base (3), preferably flush with a surrounding part of the base (3).

10. Bioreactor (1 ) according to claim 9, wherein the protection plate (10) comprises a non-magnetic material.

11. Bioreactor (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the top end (14) of the lateral surface component (4) is detachably connected to the lid (5) via a screw connection and / or a plug connection and / or a flange connection and / or a bayonet connection.

12. Bioreactor (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11 , wherein the lid (5) comprises at least one opening (17) for arranging a connector nozzle of a sensor or for collection of a sample.

13. Bioreactor (1 ) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the reactor tank (2) comprises a volume in the range of 100 ml to 3000 ml, preferably 250 ml to 2000 ml.

14. Bioreactor (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein a gasket is arranged between the lid (5) and the top end (14) of the lateral surface component(4) and / or wherein a gasket is arranged between the base (3) and the bottom end (7) of the lateral surface component (4).

15. Reactor tank (2), in particular for a bioreactor (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, comprising a lid (5), a lateral surface component (4) and a base (3), wherein the lid (5) is detachably connected to a top end (14) of the lateral surface component (4) via a form- and / or force-fit connection, ch aracterized i n that the base (3) is detachably connected to a bottom end (7) of the lateral surface component (4) via a form- and / or force-fit connection.

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