Rotating Multi-Pool Bioreactor for Different Cell Growth Phases

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bioreactors require multiple installations to accommodate different growth phases of cells, leading to increased space requirements.

Innovation Solution

A bioreactor system with an outer and inner cylinder configuration, a rotating cylinder partitioning two pools, and separate culture medium supply units for each pool, allowing independent control of culture conditions for different growth phases.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple bioreactors are installed to accommodate different growth phases, then cell culture requirements for different growth phases can be met, but installation space increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to accommodate different growth phasesVSAvoidinstallation space

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The bioreactor is divided into multiple independent pools (first pool, second pool, third pool) separated by partition walls. Each pool can independently accommodate cells at different growth phases with different culture medium compositions, allowing simultaneous cultivation for proliferation, antibody production, and other phases within a single device, thereby reducing the number of bioreactors needed and saving installation space

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The bioreactor design enables a single device to perform multiple functions by providing different culture conditions in different pools. The system can simultaneously support cell proliferation, antibody production, and other growth phases through independent medium supply units and controlled circulation, making one bioreactor replace multiple specialized bioreactors

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Area of stationary object

If a single bioreactor is used for different growth phases, then installation space is reduced, but independent control of culture conditions becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation spaceVSAvoidindependent control of culture conditions

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each pool is equipped with independent medium supply units and controlled circulation systems that allow tailored culture conditions for specific growth phases. The first pool receives proliferation-promoting medium, the second pool receives antibody production-promoting medium, and the third pool can be configured for other purposes, enabling localized optimization of culture conditions while maintaining a compact single-device structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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

Enables compact cell culture operations that efficiently support various growth phases, such as proliferation and antibody production, by using a single device with optimized culture medium and conditions.

Implementation Method 1

Taylor vortices are formed in the culture solution accommodated in the pool by rotating the rotating cylinder. The culture solution is stirred by the Taylor vortices to promote cell culture.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTaylor vortices:

Data Source

PatentEP4715035A1Bioreactor, bioreactor system, and method for operating bioreactor

Publication Date: 2026.03.25 MITSUBISHI HEAVY IND LTD

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AI summary

A bioreactor according to the present disclosure comprises: an outer cylinder which is centered on an axis line extending in the vertical direction; an inner cylinder which is provided inside the outer cylinder and centered on the axis line; a rotary cylinder which is disposed between the outer cylinder and the inner cylinder, defines a first pool between the inner cylinder and the rotary cylinder, and is rotatable about the axis line; a drive unit for rotationally driving the rotary cylinder around the axis line; a first supply port through which a liquid is supplied to the first pool; and a second supply port through which a liquid is supplied to the second pool.