Learn how to design fed-batch and continuous bioreactors and processes in biotechnology with this free online course.

The bioreactor is the pith of any biochemical process in which enzymes, microbial, mammalian, or plant cell systems are used for the manufacture of a wide range of useful biological products. The fermentation process can be carried out in batch, fed-batch, or continuous modes of operations. This free online course introduces you to design principles of fed-batch and continuous bioreactors to design an appropriate bioreactor for a particular bioprocess. Do you know what pseudo-state or steady-state means? The definitions of these terms will be covered by the course. Estimate the batch culture time and the final biomass concentration, the final mass of cells in a reactor, and how much cell biomass can be produced annually.

Next, you will gain knowledge of the basic features of an ideal continuous stirred tank reactor, and a simple schematic representation of a chemostat and turbidostat will be shown. Learn the mathematical model of a continuous stirred tank reactor, and how to determine the productivity of a chemostat and steady-state substrate concentration. The Monod equation will be used to describe the stimulation of growth by the concentration of nutrients, describe the substrate consumption and bacterial growth. The significance of various parameters, the relationship between growth rate and dilution rate will be explained. Compare productivity between a batch and continuous reactors, and describe the model for the plug flow reactor.

In recent years, bioreactors have received great interest. Bioreactors are the pillars of bioprocessing, supporting the production of biomass and therapeutic products. Those responsible for operating bioreactors must understand the intricacies of their functionality to ensure they can optimize their performance and maximize the bioprocess efficiency. This course will present all aspects that are relevant for an appreciation of all relevant features of bioreactors. By completing this course, you will have crucial skills that would benefit many fields of human endeavour. There is a high demand for qualified and trained engineers in this field, so enrol in this course to build up your skills, and jump-start your career. Start now!