About This Project

Bioreactors are used to produce everything from vaccines to lab-grown meat. However, traditional bioreactors are expensive, costing between $8,000 to $250,000, current bioreactor capacity is almost full and projected demand is high.

Our novel approach looks to improve upon a smaller 3D-printed bioreactor to create a 100-liter bioreactor that costs $2,500. Our specific focus is to develop a unit to produce bacterial cellulose initially with the vision to expand to other organisms.

Ask the Scientists

What is the context of this research?

Bacterial Cellulose (BC), with its high crystallinity, purity, and unique nanofiber-weaved three-dimensional network structure, is a key player in biomaterials. BC is a valuable resource from food to pharmaceuticals, and even in the production of biocompatible medical devices. However, the production of BC at a scale that matches its potential is a challenge. This is where bioreactors become indispensable. Bioreactors facilitate mass production by providing a controlled environment for faster, large-scale bacteria cultivation. Thus, by improving and scaling bioreactor technology, we can significantly enhance the production of this high-value biomaterial, thereby unlocking its full potential in various industries.

What is the significance of this project?

Bioreactors are used for a wide range of applications: medical applications, cultivation of bacteria, algae, in laboratories, or as food. Parametric 3-D printed components have a significant advantage over other commercial types as they can be easily modified to suit specific parts, such as different types of sensors, pumps, motors, or containers. All components are readily available and can be easily modified to meet specific requirements, making it easier to maintain.

We can democratize cultivation by offering a unit costing less than $5000. This can help enhance food security, reduce waste, and promote local scientific and economic development. Additionally, an optimized design can explore new applications of microbial biomass from biofuels to bioplastics.

What are the goals of the project?

Our ongoing experiment aims to achieve a few main goals. First, we will combine large-format 3D printing and a novel composite thermoplastic from Reflow to make the bioreactor.

Second, to evaluate the bioreactor system we will measure several key factors: growth rate of bacterial cellulose, total volume of bacterial cellulose produced within a set period, efficiency of the system in terms of energy and resources used, cost-effectiveness of the system compared to commercial units and ease and cost of maintenance and operation. We will also measure and document the build time, complexity, and challenges of using our large format printer.

Finally, the design and guidelines for this bioreactor, along with project outcomes and results, will be open-source and shared with the public.