Hairy Root Bioreactor Bubble Column Mass Transfer
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bioreactors face challenges in maximizing the production of molecules of interest, such as recombinant proteins and secondary metabolites, while maintaining optimal biomass growth and reproducibility.
Innovation Solution
A bioreactor configuration featuring a flexible, cylindrical internal tank with a sparger generating bubbles of at least 5 mm in diameter, creating a bubble column that agitates the liquid and enhances mass transfer and productivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional wave bioreactors or microbubble sparger systems are used, then the bioreactor structure is simpler, but the productivity of molecules of interest is lower
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the bubble size parameter from microbubble (traditional) to macrobubble (at least 5 mm diameter) generation. This parameter change fundamentally alters the mass transfer characteristics and liquid agitation pattern, leading to significantly improved productivity of molecules of interest while maintaining a relatively simple bioreactor structure with no internal tanks or complex mechanical agitation systems.
2Productivity
If larger bubble diameters are used, then mass transfer efficiency and liquid agitation are improved, but the sparger design becomes more critical and less flexible
Solution Approach 1:
The sparger is divided into multiple sections with different aperture configurations. The first sparger section generates initial bubbles, while the second sparger section receives these bubbles and generates additional bubbles through its own apertures. This segmentation allows each section to be optimized independently for macrobubble generation, maintaining design flexibility while achieving superior mass transfer and liquid agitation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional microbubble generation to three-dimensional macrobubble column formation. By generating bubbles with diameters of at least 5 mm and allowing them to form a bubble column that extends vertically through the liquid, the system utilizes vertical dimensionality to enhance liquid circulation and mass transfer throughout the entire bioreactor volume, significantly improving biomass growth and molecule production.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration significantly improves the productivity of molecules of interest and maintains high biomass growth, as demonstrated by increased biomass concentration and protein production compared to traditional wave bioreactors and microbubble sparger systems.
Implementation Method 1
the sparger is configured to generate bubbles displaying a diameter of at least 5 millimeters, wherein the sparger and the internal tank are arranged in a way that the generated bubbles form one bubble column once the internal tank is filled with liquid and the sparger is fed with gas, said bubble column enabling the liquid to be put in motion
Implementation Method 2
the sparger is fed with gas
Implementation Method 3
said bubble column enabling the liquid to be put in motion... achieves the above objective... significant improvement in the productivity of molecules of interest
Data Source
AI summary
A bioreactor for the production of biomass configured to contain at least 15 liters, with an external support structure displaying a general annular shape, an internal tank being configured to be secured inside and supported by the external support structure. The internal space of the internal tank is free of any internal structure. The bioreactor includes a sparger located at a closed extremity of the internal tank. The sparger is configured to generate bubbles displaying a diameter of at least 5 millimeters. The sparger and the internal tank are arranged in a way that the generated bubbles form one bubble column once the internal tank is filled with liquid and the sparger is fed with gas, the bubble column enabling the liquid to be put in motion.