Question

Stirred tank bioreactors have been designed for
A. Purification of the product
B. Ensuring anaerobic conditions in the culture vessel
C. Availability of oxygen throughout the process
D. Addition of preservatives to the product

Answer 1

Oxygen is required for the growth of the aerobic microorganisms. There needs space for their growth. Agitation with the help of stirrers will regulate the amount of oxygen in the tank. This bioreactor will make it possible for the microorganisms to grow.

Complete answer:
What is a bioreactor? An apparatus designed to culture the microorganisms under specific controlled conditions. These are used in making vaccines, pharmaceuticals etc.

Now, what is a stirred tank bioreactor? A bioreactor in which maximum agitation is achieved to mix all the phases well. The internal agitation will stir all the components well in the bioreactor.

Let us see another function of a stirred tank bioreactor.

Option A- Purification of the product: Purification of product is done to differentiate the similar components which resemble our desired product the most. This is achieved in the PCR after the product has been recovered.

Option B- Ensuring anaerobic conditions in the culture vessel: Some microorganisms need anaerobic conditions to grow. But in the stirred tank bioreactor this is not possible. There are inlets and outlets to maintain the inner air pressure throughout the process.

Option C- Availability of oxygen throughout the process: Stirred bioreactor is very spacious to agitate all the ingredients in the process. The agitator will regulate the amount of oxygen required in the specific process. Inlets and outlets also help to regulate it. But the stirrer is the foremost requirement for altering the oxygen amount.

Option D- Addition of preservatives to the product: Preservatives are the substances added in the product to ensure its shelf life. Addition of preservations is a very optional and particular step which depends on what the product is.

So the answer is option C- Availability of oxygen throughout the process.

Note: The material used for making bioreactors should be very particular. It should be inflammable to withstand the high temperature in the bioreactors. There should be enough space to carry out the reaction. Non-corrosive material will help it to prolong for many years.