Scale-down bioreactors—comparative analysis of configurations

In large-scale bioprocesses, gradients in pH, dissolved oxygen level (DO), and substrate concentrations can decrease bioprocess efficiency. Scale-down bioreactors, be it single stirred-tank bioreactors with a special feeding regime, multi-compartment bioreactors, or combinations of bioreactors, offer a promising lab-scale solution for comprehending these gradients, as they allow adjustment of gradients without incurring high costs. However, critical challenges arise when transitioning from large-scale to scale-down bioreactors. Chief among these is realistically approaching the gradient conditions of large-scale bioreactors and choosing appropriate scale-down bioreactor configurations. This review paper begins by addressing the gradients encountered in large-scale bioreactors. Afterward, various types of scale-down bioreactors are characterized and compared, highlighting their advantages and disadvantages. The suitability of scale-down bioreactors is analyzed by examples of bioprocesses with different microorganisms and mammalian cells to underscore the complexities inherent in scale-down bioprocesses and emphasize the influence of cellular responses to these conditions. Finally, the potential of miniaturized and microfluidic bioreactors is briefly discussed for future application in scale-down studies.

Subjects

DDC Class

660.6: Biotechnology

579: Microorganisms, Fungi and Algae

621.3: Electrical Engineering, Electronic Engineering

Funding(s)

Projekt DEAL

Publication version

publishedVersion

Lizenz

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Name

s00449-025-03182-w.pdf

Type

Main Article

Size

1.55 MB

Format

Adobe PDF

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Scale-down bioreactors—comparative analysis of configurations