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Fabrication and Operation of an Oxygen Insert for Adherent Cellular Cultures

Fabrication and Operation of an Oxygen Insert for Adherent Cellular Cultures

Published on: January 6, 2010

Oxygen transfer in membrane-ceramic composite materials for immobilized-cell monolithic reactors.

J Kornfield¹, G Stephanopoulos, G E Voecks

¹Department of Chemical Engineering California Institute of Technology Pasadena, California 91125.

Biotechnology Progress

|June 23, 2010

Summary

A novel bioreactor enhances oxygen transfer using a cross flow monolithic design, significantly improving efficiency while minimizing power needs for aerobic fermentations.

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Area of Science:

Biochemical Engineering
Mass Transfer Engineering
Materials Science

Background:

Efficient gas-liquid mass transfer, particularly oxygen supply, is crucial for aerobic bioprocesses.
Traditional bioreactors often face limitations in oxygen transfer rates and power consumption.
Novel reactor designs are needed to overcome these challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

To introduce and evaluate a novel cross flow monolithic bioreactor concept.
To assess its performance in facilitating gas-liquid mass transfer, specifically oxygen supply.
To determine the power requirements and transfer efficiency of the proposed design.

Main Methods:

A novel cross flow monolithic bioreactor was designed and fabricated from a single piece of ceramic.
Liquid and gas phases were circulated in orthogonal directions through continuous flow passages.
Oxygen transfer rates and power input were measured using a test cell and characterized.

Main Results:

The bioreactor achieved high oxygen transfer rates (6.62g O(2) x l(-1) x hr(-1)).
Minimal power requirements were observed (estimated below 5 x 10(-3) watts/l reactor volume).
Transfer efficiency exceeded 1000 kg O(2)/kW . hr, significantly outperforming existing technologies.

Conclusions:

The cross flow monolithic bioreactor offers a highly efficient solution for gas-liquid mass transfer.
This design enables enhanced oxygen supply at low shear rates and low power input.
The technology holds promise for applications in aerobic, immobilized-cell fermentations, reducing process power demands.