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Updated: May 16, 2026
08:13
A Novel Bioreactor for High Density Cultivation of Diverse Microbial Communities
Published on: December 25, 2015
Tubular membrane bioreactors for biotechnological processes
Christoph Wolff1, Sascha Beutel, Thomas Scheper
1Institute for Technical Chemistry, Callinstr. 5, 30167, Hannover, Germany.
Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology
|December 11, 2012
Summary
This review covers tubular membrane bioreactors, highlighting their use in cell cultivation. These systems offer low shear stress and high cell densities but face challenges with oxygen supply.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Bioprocess Engineering
Background:
- Tubular membrane bioreactors, including hollow fiber and ceramic capillary systems, are employed for various cell cultivation processes.
- These bioreactors offer unique operational characteristics distinct from other reactor types.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive overview of bioreactors utilizing tubular membranes.
- To detail the materials, operational modes, and configurations of these bioreactors.
- To summarize the advantages and disadvantages of tubular membrane bioreactor systems.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature and technologies related to tubular membrane bioreactors.
- Analysis of membrane materials, operational parameters, and system designs.
- Compilation of data on cell cultivation applications.
Main Results:
- Tubular membrane bioreactors provide low shear stress environments conducive to high cell densities.
- A significant disadvantage identified is the potential for poor oxygen supply within these systems.
- The application scope is broad, encompassing prokaryotic to eukaryotic cells.
Conclusions:
- Tubular membrane bioreactors are versatile systems for cell cultivation, offering specific benefits.
- Addressing limitations such as oxygen transfer is crucial for optimizing their performance.
- Their adaptability makes them suitable for a wide range of biotechnological applications.
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