title: Parallel reactor systems for bioprocess development.
abstract: Controlled parallel bioreactor systems allow fed-batch operation at early stages of process development. The characteristics of shaken bioreactors operated in parallel (shake flask, microtiter plate), sparged bioreactors (small-scale bubble column) and stirred bioreactors (stirred-tank, stirred column) are briefly summarized. Parallel fed-batch operation is achieved with an intermittent feeding and pH-control system for up to 16 bioreactors operated in parallel on a scale of 100 ml. Examples of the scale-up and scale-down of pH-controlled microbial fed-batch processes demonstrate that controlled parallel reactor systems can result in more effective bioprocess development. Future developments are also outlined, including units of 48 parallel stirred-tank reactors with individual pH- and pO2-controls and automation as well as liquid handling system, operated on a scale of ml.
authors.affiliation: Lehrstuhl für Bioverfahrenstechnik, Technische Universität München, Boltzmannstrasse 15, 85748 Garching, Germany. d.weuster-botz@lrz.tum.de
authors.forename: Dirk
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Weuster-Botz
mesh_terms: D019149:Bioreactors; D001709:Biotechnology / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods*; D018929:Cell Culture Techniques / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods*; D004867:Equipment Design; D005246:Feedback; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D010100:Oxygen / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D010100:Oxygen