Bioreactors are vessels in which a chemical process is carried out which involves organisms or biochemically active substances derived from such organisms. This process can either be aerobic or anaerobic. Bioreactors are commonly cylindrical, ranging in size from liters to cubic meters, and are often made of stainless steel.
The concept of using vessels for fermentation and other biological processes has been around for centuries. However, the modern bioreactor was developed in the 20th century with the rise of the biotechnology industry. The development of bioreactors has been crucial for the large-scale production of antibiotics, vaccines, and other bioproducts.
Bioreactors are used in a variety of industries, including pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, and wastewater treatment. They are essential for the production of many products that we use every day. As the biotechnology industry continues to grow, the demand for bioreactors is expected to increase.