Biotechnology Lecture 3: Bioreactors

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Questions and Answers

In a fermentation process, what type of reactions occur that require temperature control?

Electrochemical reactions

Catalytic reactions

Exothermic reactions (correct)

Endothermic reactions

What is the primary function of the jacket in the heat transfer system?

To add nutrients to the fermentation fluid

To transfer heat in or out of the reactor (correct)

To monitor the temperature of the reactor

To mix the fermentation fluid

What material are temperature probes usually made of?

Stainless steel (correct)

Glass

Aluminum

Copper

Where is the temperature probe usually placed in small bioreactors?

Inside a pocket Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the temperature control system in a fermentation reactor?

To control the temperature during initial and final stages of fermentation Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the temperature probe pocket?

To isolate the temperature probe from the growth media Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of a cold finger in a bioreactor?

To cool the growth media Signup and view all the answers

What is the advantage of using a stainless steel jacket in a bioreactor over a glass jacket?

Heat transfer from stainless steel to growth media is better Signup and view all the answers

What is used to determine the placement of a cooling coil inside a bioreactor?

Heat map Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of a heating blanket in a bioreactor?

To heat the growth media Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a New Brunswick unique design for temperature control?

To optimize heat transfer Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of acid and base pumps in a bioreactor?

To control pH levels Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the exhaust gas analyzer in a bioreactor?

To measure the oxygen consumption of the microorganisms Signup and view all the answers

What happens to enzyme activity when the temperature is increased beyond the optimal level?

It decreases gradually Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of repeated freezing and thawing on proteins?

It causes them to denature Signup and view all the answers

What is the main factor that determines the growth temperature requirements of a bacterial species?

The temperature requirements of its enzymes Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum temperature at which an enzyme's activity can stop?

Freezing temperature Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the temperature control system in a bioreactor?

To maintain a constant temperature for optimal microbial growth Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of temperature on microbial growth?

It increases microbial growth up to a certain temperature, but then decreases it Signup and view all the answers

What are the three temperature ranges that are characteristic of every bacterial species?

Minimum, optimum, and maximum growth temperatures Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Bioreactor Control Systems

Measurement and control of bioreactors involve monitoring and regulating parameters such as temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, and pressure.
Temperature control is crucial, as it affects microbial growth and enzyme activity.

Temperature Control

Microbes can be divided into 4 main groups based on their temperature requirements.
Temperature affects microbial growth:
- Increasing temperature increases enzyme activity, but high temperatures can denature enzymes.
- Decreasing temperature decreases enzyme activity, and freezing temperatures can stop enzyme activity.
- Repeated cycles of freezing and thawing can denature proteins, and freezing can cause cell rupture.
Every bacterial species has specific growth temperature requirements:
- Minimum growth temperature.
- Optimum growth temperature.
- Maximum growth temperature.

Temperature Control Systems

Temperature control systems are used in pilot and production scale reactors.
Heating is typically only required during initial and final stages of fermentation, as most processes are exothermic.
The temperature control system consists of:
- Temperature probes.
- Heat transfer system (using a jacket to transfer heat in or out of the reactor).
Temperature probes are usually made of stainless steel and sit in a closed-end well or pocket.
Heat transfer occurs through:
- Heating blanket.
- Jacket.
- Cold finger.

pH Control

pH is a critical factor in microbial growth and is measured using pH probes.
pH control involves:
- Acid and base pumps.
- Heating blanket and cooling fingers.
Temperature and pH control systems are used in combination to optimize bioreactor performance.

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Description

This quiz covers the basics of bioreactors, including measurement and control systems, such as temperature, pH, and oxygen levels. It also explores the role of feed pumps, aeration, and exhaust gas analyzers in bioreactor operation.