Abstract: The present invention relates to a bioreactor comprising a first fluid distribution chamber and a first fluid collection chamber, the reactor adapted to receive at least one conduit in fluid communication between the first fluid distribution chamber and the first fluid collection chamber; wherein the reactor includes a second fluid distribution means including a plurality of distributors arranged to distribute the second fluid between the first fluid distribution chamber and the first fluid collection chamber. The invention extends to a removable insert for a bioreactor comprising a first fluid distribution plate; a first fluid collection plate; and a second fluid distribution means including a plurality of distributors arranged to distribute the second fluid between the first fluid distribution plate and the first fluid collection plate.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of producing secondary metabolites and under recombinant products oxygen-limited or anaerobic culture conditions. The methods include providing a porous substrate having a first side and a second side and which has a biofilm of microorganisms attached to the first side thereof, and causing a nutrient solution to flow through the biofilm and the substrate in a direction from the first side thereof to the second side thereof under oxygen-limited or anaerobic culture conditions. The microorganisms include Clostridium sp., Bacillus sp., Pseudomonas sp. Vibrio sp., Serratia sp., Rhodopseudomonas sp., Anaeromyxobacter sp., Desulphovibrio sp., and Candida sp., Lactococcus lactis, Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtillus, Pichia sp., Candida sp., Hansenula polymorpha and Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bioreactor comprising a first fluid distribution chamber and a first fluid collection chamber, the reactor adapted to receive at least one conduit in fluid communication between the first fluid distribution chamber and the first fluid collection chamber; wherein the reactor includes a second fluid distribution means including a plurality of distributors arranged to distribute the second fluid between the first fluid distribution chamber and the first fluid collection chamber. The invention extends to a removable insert for a bioreactor comprising a first fluid distribution plate; a first fluid collection plate; and a second fluid distribution means including a plurality of distributors arranged to distribute the second fluid between the first fluid distribution plate and the first fluid collection plate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a multiple bioreactor system comprising a plurality of bioreactors, a source of pressurised fluid, and distribution means for distributing the fluid to the bioreactors, wherein the bioreactor system includes backpressure creating means presented by, before or after each bioreactor and the source of pressurised fluid such that each backpressure creating means provides a resistance to the flow of the pressurised fluid which is greater than the resistance to flow between each backpressure creating means.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a scaleable bioreactor comprising at least one cassette comprising a manifold and an arrangement of hollow fibre membranes; an upper headplate; and a lower headplate, wherein the cassette(s) are modular components adapted to co-operate with each other and the headplates to define an internal extracapillary culture space (ECS) and wherein the arrangement of hollow fibre membranes includes a discrete inlet and outlet. The invention further relates to a kit for such a bioreactor, a cassette for use in such a bioreactor and a process for exploiting the metabolism of cells and/or microorganisms, the process including the step of utilising a bioreactor according to the invention.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of producing secondary metabolites and under recombinant products oxygen-limited or anaerobic culture conditions. The methods include providing a porous substrate having a first side and a second side and which has a biofilm of microorganisms attached to the first side thereof, and causing a nutrient solution to flow through the biofilm and the substrate in a direction from the first side thereof to the second side thereof under oxygen-limited or anaerobic culture conditions. The microorganisms include Clostridium sp., Bacillus sp., Pseudomonas sp. Vibrio sp., Serratia sp., Rhodopseudomonas sp., Anaeromyxobacter sp., Desulphovibrio sp., and Candida sp., Lactococcus lactis, Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtillus, Pichia sp., Candida sp., Hansenula polymorpha and Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

Abstract: The invention provides for a method of producing at least one recombinant product under aerated conditions. The method includes providing a porous substrate having a first side and a second side and which has a biofilm of microorganisms attached to the first side thereof, the substrate being configured to allow passage of a nutrient solution therethrough and to prevent the passage of microorganism cells therethrough. The method further includes causing a nutrient solution to flow through the substrate and the biofilm in a direction from the second side thereof to the first side thereof under aerated conditions, at a rate which is sufficiently low for a nutrient gradient having a concentration differential to be established across the biofilm, and the microorganisms being induced to produce recombinant product.