Simulating Process Limitations in Microbial Cultivation: A Parallel Two-Compartment Scale-Down Approach

In large-scale industrial bioprocesses, the presence of gradients in critical process parameters, such as dissolved oxygen (DO), pH, and substrate concentration, can be observed. They result in inhomogeneous growth conditions within the bioreactor/fermenter and can affect cell yield and/or productivity. This application note describes the effects of oscillating DO and substrate concentration. This study exemplifies the benefits of flexible bench scale bioreactor solutions and advanced bioprocess control software. Individual control of parallel operated bioreactors allowed different vessel sizes, individual parameter set-points, and multiple cultivation phases to be implemented easily.