Bioreactors in Industries and Biofilm

Abstract

Bioreactors are systems where chemical reactions (involving organisms or active substances derived from them) take place. Many types exist such as batch, continuous, photo, and membrane bioreactors. Industries use these reactors to make a variety of products including chemicals. A company’s success at producing specific products depends in part on its ability to control various parameters (like temperature) and to use appropriate biofilms in the reactors. Biofilms are thick layers of cells used in bioreactors. They start to form when microorganisms like bacteria attach to a surface. After a certain amount of time, this attachment becomes somewhat permanent because the microorganisms produce a sticky polymeric material that anchors them. The resulting thick layers of cells are referred to as biofilms. Examples of biofilm and bioreactor use in industry are provided.