Title: 3.1 Generating Bioreactor Designs
Course: ATEP - Biotechnology Module B > Section: Section 3 Generate Designs

3.1.1 Designing Bioreactor

As you move through this section, complete the worksheet titled: Knowledge and Skill Builder IV: Designing the Bioreactor.

You may need to return to Module A lessons to review.

If you are not clear about an answer, use the Internet to research. Generally, a website that ends in .edu, .org or .gov can be considered a valid source.

Then check your research with your instructor.

3.1.2 Bioreactor Design

The image below is a schematic of a bioreactor. View this video http://www.jove.com/video/50582/operation-of-a-benchtop-bioreactor to learn more about the parts of a typical bioreactor.
Refer back to Module A and your Technology Park exercises to complete the Knowledge and Skill Builder V: Designing the Bioreactor.

3.1.3 Sketch

Using the KSBs you have completed create a sketch of your team's bioreactor prototype with or paper or using a computer program determined by your instructor, such as CAD. Submit your final product to the assignment folder.

3.1.4 Building the Bioreactor

As you move through this section, complete the worksheet titled: Knowledge and Skill Builder V: Building the Bioreactor.

You may need to return to Module A lessons to review.

If you are not clear about an answer, use the internet to research. Generally, a website that ends in .edu, .org or .gov can be considered a valid source.

Then check your research with your instructor.

3.1.5 Sterilization

In the biotechnology lab, sterilization is done using an autoclave. An autoclave in the picture below is a device used to sterilize equipment and supplies by subjecting them to high pressure saturated steam at 121 °C for around 15–20 minutes depending on the size of the load and the contents.

If you don’t have access to an autoclave, sterilization can be achieved using a 10% bleach solution. Containers, tubing, forceps etc. can be soaked in a diluted bleach solution for 10 minutes, then rinsed three times with cool sterile water. Water can be sterilized by boiling for 10 minutes and being stored in a clean sterile bottle.

Any openings leading into or out of the bioreactor can be kept fairly sterile by stuffing it with a small piece of sterile cotton. Be sure your forceps are sterile before picking up the cotton.

3.1.6 Bioreactor Feeds

In image below, you will see a sample bioreactor set up.  Notice there are three tubes: an inlet, an outlet and sampling tube. Tubing can be cut using a razor blade. Use caution. Holes for your tubing need to be made a size that creates a tight fit with your tubing to minimize contamination. One way to do this is to heat a glass rod using a Bunsen burner and apply the hot end to the plastic bottle to create an appropriate size hole. Once tubing has been appropriately inserted, a sealant should be used around each fixture and allow to set for 24-48 hours.