Scientists and engineers constantly develop new ways to conduct research. One of our favorite recent developments is the miniature bioreactor—a counter-top device used for growing organisms in a controlled environment. Here’s a helpful way to think about it: a miniature bioreactor is to a bioreactor what a microwave is to an oven. Read on to learn more about what a miniature bioreactor is and how they are used.
What Is a Miniature Bioreactor?
A bioreactor is a device scientists use to grow biological environments that are cut off from the rest of the world. Sometimes they grow cultures that are not great to have out in the open, like molds and fungi. The bioreactors allow scientists to extract elements of the culture to use in pharmaceutical applications—in other words, making medicine.
Developing Growth Medium
In biology, a growth medium is a nutrient-rich fluid that can support microorganisms. Just like people have their temperature, humidity, and food preferences, bacteria and other organisms also like things a certain way. Using a bioreactor, scientists can create the perfect custom environment for whatever it is they’re trying to grow.
Parallel Cell Cultivation
In some scientific applications, cells need to exist in the same environment in order to be useful to humans. That’s all thanks to evolution—when two organisms are in the same environment, they can grow in ways that reflect each other’s presence. Sometimes scientists use this process in order to create cultures that are useful in medicine.
Why Miniature Bioreactors?
Miniature stainless steel bioreactors are much smaller than other types of bioreactors. They’re much easier to move, set up, and maintain. You can make lots of small cultures at once, which isn’t possible when you only have a limited number of large bioreactors. You can also use them for other functions, like sterilization, stirring, and keeping things set at a precise temperature for extended periods.
If you’re in the pharmaceutical industry, it’s important to know what a miniature bioreactor is and how it is used because it can save you lots of time and energy. Having lots of smaller bioreactors can speed up your research since it’s much more economical than buying lots of full-size equipment.
