What are bioreactors ? List five growth conditions that a bioreactor provides for obtaining the desired product.
Answer. A bioreactor is a device in which raw materials are biologically converted into specific products by microbes, plant/animal cells etc. These are used for food processing, fermentation, waste treatment, etc.
Growth conditions that a bioreactor provides for obtaining the desired products are :
(i) Controlled environment for optimum product yield. (ii) Aseptic fermentation for a number of days and prevention of escape of viable cells.
(iii) Adequate mixing and aeration for optimum growth and production, without damaging the microorganism. (iv) Easy and dependable temperature control (v) Facility of sampling.
