Question

What facilitates the even mixing of ingredients within a bioreactor?

• A. Pipe
• B. Motor
• C. Stirrer
• D. Broth

Answer 1

Answer:

C. Stirrer

Role of the Stirrer in a Bioreactor

The stirrer is crucial for maintaining the optimal conditions for microbial or cell culture growth by performing several key functions:

• Homogenization: It ensures that nutrients are uniformly distributed throughout the medium, preventing localized depletion that could slow down or stop cell growth.

• Gas Transfer: It creates a large surface area interface between the gas (e.g., air/oxygen) and the liquid medium, facilitating the effective dissolution of oxygen into the liquid for aerobic respiration.

• Heat Transfer: It helps to quickly and evenly distribute heat throughout the vessel, maintaining the uniform temperature required for biological processes.

• Suspension: It keeps the microbial cells or other particulates suspended in the medium, preventing them from settling at the bottom.