Open AccessDesign and implementation of an affordable laboratory‐scale bioreactor for the production of microbial natural products
Author(s) -
Theodore Christine M.,
Loveridge Steven T.,
Crews Mitchell S.,
LorigRoach Nicholas,
Crews Phillip
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
engineering reports
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2577-8196
DOI - 10.1002/eng2.12059
Subject(s) - bioreactor , laboratory flask , biochemical engineering , scale (ratio) , process engineering , scale up , production (economics) , environmental science , replication (statistics) , computer science , engineering , chemistry , biology , organic chemistry , economics , macroeconomics , physics , classical mechanics , quantum mechanics , virology
Large‐scale bacteria culturing can present many challenges for small academic laboratories. To address these challenges a cost effective, laboratory scale bioreactor was designed and implemented. The constructed bioreactor addresses common problems that small or teaching‐focused laboratories face when attempting scale up cultures. The design utilizes materials commonly found in standard chemistry laboratories that are easily assembled with minor modifications. The system was validated through the replication of natural product production in shake flasks and the bioreactor. Additionally, measurements were done to ensure the designed bioreactor had comparable k L a values to common shake flask conditions. We anticipate that this design will be of use to other small academic natural product groups as well as teaching laboratories as it offers an economical way to undertake large scale culturing of microorganisms.