Batch and Continuous Bioreactors

Bioreactors are used to grow organisms in large volumes, thereby enabling the production of mass quantities of the target product. These reactors can be batch reactors, which contain all of the components needed for cell growth, or continuous reactors, which have inlet and outlet ports allowing for the addition of fresh growth media and the removal of cell waste.

This video presents batch and continuous reactors and demonstrates the use of bioreactors to grow bacteria in the laboratory. Finally, this video considers how these reactors are used in the bioengineering field to produce products such as protein therapeutics or even beer.

Bioreactors, also known as fermenters, are cell culture systems that provide suitable growth environments. Two types of bioreactors are commonly used in cell culture, batch and continuous stirred tank bioreactors. A batch reactor is a closed vessel system containing all of the components needed for cell culture, whereas a continuous stirred tank reactor is an open system where components are actively flowing in and out, enabling the removal of waste and the replenishment of nutrients. To maximize cell