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Bioreactor Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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bioreactor

[ˈbʌɪəʊrɪæktə ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

science

A bioreactor is a vessel or container in which living cells or their products are used to carry out a specific biological process.

Synonyms

cell culture system, culture vessel, fermenter.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
bioreactor

Synonym spotted! This entry is redundant.
fermenter

Used mainly in the context of industrial fermentation, alcohol production, or food science. A fermenter specifically refers to the equipment used to facilitate the fermentation process.

  • The brewery invested in a new fermenter to increase its beer production capacity
culture vessel

Typically referred to in more practical and specific settings, a culture vessel is mainly used to describe the physical container where the cell or microbial culture is grown. It is commonly used in labs and education.

  • Make sure to sterilize the culture vessel before adding the cell culture
cell culture system

This term is generally used in the context of biological research and pharmaceuticals for growing and maintaining cell cultures. It often includes various components like incubators, pumps, and sensors.

  • The laboratory upgraded its cell culture system to better support stem cell research

Examples of usage

  • The bioreactor is used for the cultivation of microorganisms.
  • Bioreactors are commonly used in the production of vaccines.
  • The bioreactor allows for the controlled growth of cells.
  • The bioreactor provides an optimal environment for cell growth.
  • Many pharmaceutical companies use bioreactors for drug production.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Science

  • Bioreactors can be used to produce pharmaceuticals, including insulin and vaccines, by harnessing the power of microorganisms.
  • They come in various types, such as batch, continuous, and fed-batch, each suitable for different processes.
  • Temperature, pH, and oxygen levels inside bioreactors are closely monitored to create the best environment for growth.

Industrial Applications

  • Industries use bioreactors not only for medicine production but also for making biofuels from plant materials.
  • They help in wastewater treatment by using microbes to decompose pollutants, thus cleaning the water.

Pop Culture

  • Bioreactors have been featured in science fiction, often portrayed as advanced devices for genetic engineering.
  • The 2013 movie 'Elysium' includes a bioreactor as part of its technology for health and regeneration.

Environmental Impact

  • Using bioreactors can reduce waste and lead to more sustainable production methods.
  • They play a crucial role in developments like carbon capture and bio-remediation to clean up environmental spills.

Origin of 'bioreactor'

Main points about word origin

  • The term combines 'bio,' meaning life, and 'reactor,' which refers to something that causes a reaction.
  • The concept emerged as science advanced, especially in the late 20th century, focusing on biological processes.

The term 'bioreactor' originated in the field of biotechnology in the mid-20th century. It was coined to describe the vessels or containers used for cultivating living cells for various biological processes. Bioreactors play a crucial role in industries such as pharmaceuticals, food processing, and environmental engineering, allowing for controlled growth and production of cells and their products. The design and technology of bioreactors have evolved over the years, leading to more efficient and scalable processes in bioprocessing.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #29,751, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.