Question 6 of 10intermediate💡 UnderstandShort Answer2 marks

Besides better aeration and mixing properties, what other advantages do stirred tank bioreactors have over shake flasks?

Correct Answer

Besides better aeration and mixing, stirred tank bioreactors have the following advantages over shake flasks:

  1. Large volume processing capacity - Bioreactors can process large volumes of culture (100-1000 litres), unlike shake flasks which are small volume cultures that cannot yield appreciable quantities of products.

  2. Control systems - Bioreactors are equipped with a temperature control system, pH control system, and foam control system to maintain optimal growth conditions.

  3. Sampling ports - Bioreactors have sampling ports that allow small volumes of culture to be withdrawn periodically for analysis.

  4. Provision of optimal conditions - Bioreactors provide optimum growth conditions including temperature, pH, substrate, salts, vitamins, and oxygen for achieving the desired product.

Exercise: EXERCISES | Q: 6 | (Page 15)
For More Understanding

Explanation

The textbook context explicitly lists the features of stirred-tank bioreactors including the agitator system, oxygen delivery system, foam control system, temperature control system, pH control system, and sampling ports. It also mentions that bioreactors can process large volumes (100-1000 litres) compared to small volume cultures in shake flasks. The question specifically asks for advantages OTHER than aeration and mixing, so students should focus on the control systems, sampling capability, and large-scale processing capacity.

Solution Steps

  1. Step 1: Identify features of stirred tank bioreactors from the text (excluding aeration and mixing)

  2. Step 2: List the control systems mentioned - temperature, pH, foam control

  3. Step 3: Note the sampling ports feature for periodic culture withdrawal

  4. Step 4: Include the large volume processing capacity (100-1000 litres)

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