The ability to open a port on a small bioreactor could improve its performance. BPE Biotree Bioreactor manufacturers in India will provide you with some concrete examples of how you can allow the bioreactor of a smaller size to exceed its initial design limitations.
1. What are the advantages of porting multiple times?
The ports on the top of a bioreactor permit you to
Create an additional sensor
Cell-free sampling is available to feed an in-line analyser
Enhance the capacity to accommodate different feeding strategies e.g. switching from fed-batch to continuous operation
Eliminate the need to use needles in the process of inoculating
Improve your handling capabilities by being able to move sensors, pipes, etc. onto the upper plate
2. How can port capacity be improved?
Tip #1: Maximize the use of the existing connectors
Readily accessible single-use connectors allow for a wide range of options simple to use. Connectors allow for the aseptic removal and addition of lines in the course of the culture. Planning ahead as well as stocking your shelves with the essential things is all that's needed. The first step is to know how many ports of what dimensions are available and the number of outlets, inlets sensors, and fittings you require.
The position of the ports can also play in the matter, as it is difficult to connect some devices near to one another if you "overhang" the port. A gas cooler for exit is an example of this, where the dimension of the main part of the device is larger than the port's diameter. Similar situations can be found for driving motors based on how high above the vessel's the top plate is it. Another aspect to consider is thermal block, heat jacket or any other external device that restricts access.
Tip #2: Mix port for the sample and the inoculation port
The requirement of separate ports for these two crucial jobs can be eliminated for simple applications by using an easy Y-piece on the sample pipe, and an arm that is short equipped with an Luer connector. This setup is protected by an aluminum foil cap to allow autoclaving. Flexible tubing that runs along the test pipe gets secured off by gate clips or Pinchcock Hoffmann. The sample line is equipped with an own device for sampling that is in its place on the that is the opposite side of the Y as normal.
The method of innoculation is based on an appropriate size syringe with an end that is Luer. Syringe volumes as high as 60 milliliters are standard and can even be as high as 100mL. If you have a bioreactor that is small, 1 - 2 liters of working volume , this is enough. It is possible to divide the inoculum into a lower quantity than is normal, so it's comparable to the syringe's volume and still maintains the same cell count within the vessel. A single-use septum fitting comes with an added benefit of not needing needles.
After the inoculum has been added and the septum is in place, the arm on the side with the septum is able to be clamped in the closest proximity to the Y piece as it is possible. If the syringe used isn't an impedance it is able to remain in its place. Should it be, you must remove it with a needle. The sample line in the Y is removed, it will be discarded. Removing the first sample taken will remove any residual culture that was inoculated during the process of inoculation.
Tip #3: Move the OD measurement to outside of vessel
Finding a suitable port for the optical density detector is among the most frequent requirements to be inventive with port allocations. The sensor requires an 13.5 Pg port and these ports are typically used in by pH as well as POL 2. sensors, as well as an exhaust gas cooler. Another option is to change onto an optical density measuring device like the BioR CGQ.
The sensor typically is strapped to the exterior of the vessel, and is then measured through the glass wall. Naturally, the usage is contingent on the vessel being accessible to mount the sensor. If the sensor is completely enclosed, use of the thermal block is not possible.
TIP #4: Continuous cultivation Take a sample externally from the line of harvest.
An ongoing flow of culture that has been discarded is constantly being taken out of the vessel for culture It can also be "tapped into" using a similar procedure to that used for combined inoculation and sampling. A Y-shaped piece of material that is placed in the outlet line may include a sampling device on it. It can be used similarly to taking samples from the bulk culture inside the vessel. It is contingent of the culture being homogeneous and on the level of dilution being sufficient that enough material to make the sample to be present.
Tip #5 Use the same intake for multiple feeds
This is among the evident. The addition of one or more Y-shaped pieces to a shorter inlet pipe inside the vessel top plate will increase the number of feeds that can be added.
it could be that every feed does not require exact control and setpoint adjustment. Aseptic connectors also play a role in the event that feed bottles need to be changed during a running process.
If the bioreactor has the ability to transfer pumps to another, both the antifoam and acid pump can be used for other feeds. Inlet pipes are usually accessible, but with a limited dimensions for small bioreactors. In this case, they might not be able to accommodate the required flow rates for fast expansions that require a larger inlet.
TIP #6: Repurpose an unutilized port by using an adaptor
Extending the capabilities of larger bioreactors relies in the utilization of 19mm ports. They are less frequent on autoclavable bioreactors. They are still utilized frequently in in the field sterilizable vessels however the typical port used for autoclavable vessels has been changed to 13.5Pg.
If you have an extra 19mm port, instead of letting it unopened, it may be possible to purchase an adaptor from the manufacturer that will transform it into 13.5Pg. 13.5Pg. These are extensions to the port closure which means that the 19mm port remains in place for future changes to the requirements.