(a) Bioreactors are large vessels used for large scale production of biotechnology products from the raw materials. Here, the raw materials are biologically converted into specific products, enzymes etc.,using microbial plant, animal or human cells. They provide optimal conditions to obtain the desired product by providing the optimum temperature, pH, vitamin, oxygen etc.
(b) The most commonly used bioreactors are of stirring type (stirred-tank reactor). Stirred tank bioreactor is usually cylindrical or with a curved base to facilitate the mixing of the reactor contents. The stirrer facilitates even mixing and oxygen availability. Alternatively air can be bubbled through the reactor. The bioreactor has an agitator system, an oxygen delivery system, a foam control system, a temperature control system, pH control system and sampling ports (for periodic withdrawal of the culture).
