Abstract: The invention concerns a rotating wall vessel bioreactor (100) using Taylor vortex flow for cell culture in the annular space between the two concentric cylindrical bodies, wherein the internal one (2) is rotating and the external one (1) is stationary. The internal rotating body (2) is composed of an external wall around which a polymeric tubular membrane (6) is wrapped, which is connected to the hollow tubular axis (5) of the internal body (2) for the introduction of gases into the annular space (d). Said annular space (d) is filled with a suspension of cells or cells immobilized on microcarriers.

Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to provide a process for protection of enzymatic biocatalysts, constituted by a primary support, wrapped by a secondary matrix. More particularly, the invention is embodied as a bioreactor with a configuration that preserves the physical integrity and catalytic activity of the biocatalyst after long runs, and at the same time allows an easy separation of the protected biocatalyst from the solid, precipitated during the reaction course. Still more particularly, the invention refers to the use of the bioreactor herein described for the enzymatic synthesis of ?-lactam antibiotics, including the insoluble enzymatic catalysts, which have a primary matrix for immobilization involved by a secondary matrix, which is able to preserve 100% of the catalyst physical integrity and approximately 100% of its catalytic activity.

Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to provide a process for protection of enzymatic biocatalysts, constituted by a primary support, wrapped by a secondary matrix. More particularly, the invention is embodied as a bioreactor with a configuration that preserves the physical integrity and catalytic activity of the biocatalyst after long runs, and at the same time allows an easy separation of the protected biocatalyst from the solid, precipitated during the reaction course. Still more particularly, the invention refers to the use of the bioreactor herein described for the enzymatic synthesis of ?-lactam antibiotics, including the insoluble enzymatic catalysts, which have a primary matrix for immobilization involved by a secondary matrix, which is able to preserve 100% of the catalyst physical integrity and approximately 100% of its catalytic activity.