A versatile miniature bioreactor and its application to bioelectrochemistry studies

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology
• Microfluidics
• Bioengineering

Background:

• Reproducible bio-microsystem investigations require adaptable experimental setups.
• Existing bioreactors may lack flexibility for diverse research needs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a modular, miniature bioreactor for flexible and well-defined bio-microsystem experiments.
• To enable adaptable experimental setups with control over key parameters.

Main Methods:

• Assembled a miniature bioreactor (millilitre volume) from stacked polycarbonate elements and silicone gaskets.
• Integrated supply pipes, oxygen control, and monitoring of dissolved oxygen and pH.
• Interconnected chambers for electrochemical system investigations.

Main Results:

• Achieved an oxygen mass transfer coefficient (k(L)a) of 4.3x10(-3) s(-1) at 15 ml min(-1) flow rate.
• Observed a mixing time of 1.5s at 11 ml min(-1) flow rate.
• Demonstrated versatile applicability with E. coli growth curves and bioelectrochemical experiments.

Conclusions:

• The modular bioreactor offers a flexible, adaptable, and functional platform for bio-microsystem research.
• The system effectively supports microbial cultivation and bioelectrochemical studies, including electrode material comparison and microbial fuel cell characterization.