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 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.