Immersion Bioreactor Vessel Coupler for Aseptic Media Exchange
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bioreactors for aseptic liquid culture of plants and exudate extraction are complex, difficult to operate, and expensive, leading to underutilization by users.
Innovation Solution
A novel immersion bioreactor device comprising a vessel coupler with adjustable vane discs and coupler apertures, allowing for easy swapping of liquid media without disturbing the plant side, and featuring aseptic liquid culture and fermentation capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing bioreactors use pumps, in-line filters, fluid lines, and control systems, then aseptic liquid culture and exudate extraction functions are achieved, but device complexity and operational difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The bioreactor is divided into separate functional modules: a plant growth chamber and a liquid media reservoir connected by a filter. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, eliminating the need for complex pumps and fluid lines while maintaining aseptic culture capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates unnecessary components from traditional bioreactor designs. By removing pumps, in-line filters, and complex control systems, the invention achieves aseptic liquid culture through a simplified configuration where plants directly absorb nutrients from liquid media through a simple filter barrier.
2Productivity
If existing bioreactors include pumps and fluid lines, then liquid media circulation is achieved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The bioreactor system performs liquid media circulation through passive capillary action and plant root absorption rather than active pumping. The plants themselves drive the liquid flow by absorbing nutrients through their roots, eliminating the need for pumps and complex fluid management systems.
3Reliability
If existing bioreactors use complex control systems, then fermentation control is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes complex control systems from traditional bioreactors. Fermentation control is achieved through passive physical and biological processes rather than active electronic control, significantly reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining reliable fermentation capabilities.
4Reliability
If existing bioreactors require disconnection of fluid lines and filters for media replacement, then aseptic maintenance is maintained, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bioreactor design segments the liquid media reservoir from the plant growth chamber through a removable filter assembly. This allows the liquid media to be completely replaced by simply removing and reattaching the filter, eliminating the need to disconnect complex fluid lines while maintaining aseptic conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
An immersion bioreactor device may include a vessel coupler, a first vessel, and a second vessel. The first vessel may include a first cavity and a first vessel aperture in fluid communication with the first cavity. The second vessel may include a second cavity and a second vessel aperture that may be in fluid communication with the second cavity. The vessel coupler may be configured to be removably coupled to the first and second vessels so that the first and second vessel apertures are in fluid communication with the vessel coupler. The vessel coupler may include a plate which may separate the vessel apertures from each other. One or more coupler apertures may be disposed in the plate, and the coupler apertures may enable fluid communication between the vessel apertures. Optionally, an adjustable vane disc may govern the fluid communication provided by the coupler apertures.