Temperature Control and Heat Exchange in Bioreactors

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Temperature Control in Bioreactors

Introduction

Biological reactions are highly sensitive to changes in environmental factors. To ensure optimal performance, bioreactors require excellent temperature control and heat exchange capabilities. PolyScience, a leading provider of temperature control technology for bioreactors, offers solutions that contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This report highlights the importance of high-quality temperature controllers for bioreactors and showcases recent applications of PolyScience temperature control solutions.

Bioprocesses and the Shift Towards Sustainability

In the early 20th century, biological reactions were used to produce chemicals like acetone, butanol, and ethanol. However, with the rise of the petrochemical industry in the 1950s, conventional chemical processes took precedence over bioprocesses. In recent years, concerns about the limited availability of fossil fuels have led to a renewed focus on bioprocesses and biotechnology. These processes are extensively researched and already employed in various industries to produce pharmaceuticals, biochemicals, food ingredients, and biofuels.

The Importance of Environmental Control in Bioreactors

Bioreactors are specifically designed to support biologically active environments for industrial processes that involve living cells or enzymes. The environmental conditions inside the bioreactor, such as temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen levels, agitation rate, and gas flow rates, must be carefully optimized, monitored, and controlled to meet the unique requirements of each biological reaction.

Reliable Temperature Control for Bioreactors

Biological processes offer several advantages over traditional chemical processes, including increased specificity, energy efficiency, and reduced environmental impact. However, these processes are highly sensitive to changes in environmental conditions, particularly temperature. Each biological reaction has an optimum temperature, and even slight temperature variations can significantly impact reaction rates and damage enzymes. Therefore, reliable temperature control is crucial for maintaining reaction stability and efficiency.

The Impact of Temperature on Reaction Stability

A study conducted by researchers from Washington University examined the effects of temperature on biological reactors. They compared mesophilic (37°C) and thermophilic (55°C) anaerobic digestion of secondary residues from brewery wastewater. While both processes showed similar overall performance, the thermophilic reactor exhibited increased instability due to higher concentrations of free ammonia. This study emphasizes the importance of precise temperature control in maintaining reaction stability and preventing the production of reaction inhibitors.

Efficient Heat Exchange for Temperature Cycling

The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a widely used technique in research and clinical laboratories to amplify DNA sequences. PCR relies on thermal cycling, which requires accurate temperature control at each step. The reaction temperature changes rapidly from 94–98°C for DNA denaturation, to 50–65°C for primer annealing, and finally to 70–80°C for DNA extension. Efficient heat exchange is essential for rapid cycling and obtaining accurate copies of the desired DNA sequence.

Temperature Zones in Hybrid Bioreactors

Recent advancements in bioreactor technology have led to the development of hybrid bioreactors that combine multiple processes. These hybrid bioreactors require specific temperature control and excellent heat exchange capabilities. For example, researchers in Singapore have reported a hybrid reactor that combines membrane distillation with an activated sludge process to treat petrochemical industry wastewater. The digestion process in this hybrid bioreactor requires a temperature range of 45–80°C, while maintaining a temperature difference across the distillation membrane.

PolyScience Temperature Control Solutions for Bioreactors

PolyScience offers a range of precise temperature control solutions for bioreactors, contributing to the achievement of the SDGs. Their 6000 series chillers provide portable and low maintenance instruments that can be easily incorporated into laboratories. These chillers offer reliable cooling and temperature control, ensuring optimal conditions for biological reactions. Additionally, the PolyScience 6000 series chillers have the capability to heat up to 70°C, making them suitable for reactions that require different temperature ranges.

References and Further Reading

1. ‘Bioprocessing for Value-Added Products from Renewable Resources’ — Yang ST, Elsevier Science, 2007
2. ‘The Biotechnology Revolution: The Science and Applications’ In: ‘Verification of the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention’ — Dando MR, Pearson GS, Toth T, Springer, 2000.
3. ‘Basic and Applied Aspects of Biotechnology’ — Gupta V, Sengupta M, Prakash J, Tripathy BC, Springer, 2016
4. ‘Anaerobic digestion of secondary residuals from an anaerobic bioreactor at a brewery to enhance bioenergy generation’ — Bocher BT, Agler MT, Garcia ML, Beers AR, Angenent LT, Journal of Industrial Microbiology & Biotechnology, 2008.
5. ‘Experimental Study and Design of a Submerged Membrane Distillation Bioreactor’ — Phattaranawik J, Fane AG, Pasquier ACS, Bing W, Wong FS, Chemical Engineering & Technology, 2009.
6. ‘Feasibility study on petrochemical wastewater treatment and reuse using a novel submerged membrane distillation bioreactor’ — Khaing TH, Li J, Li Y, Wai N, Wong FS, Separation and Purification Technology, 2010.
7. ‘Chillers and Coolers’ – https://www.polyscience.com/products/chillers/6000-series

About PolyScience

PolyScience, founded in 1963, is a pioneer in temperature control technology. They have introduced numerous innovations, including the first zero-switching circulators and refrigeration systems for DNA amplification. PolyScience continues to develop award-winning temperature control solutions for various applications.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

   • Target 7.2: Increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix
   • Indicator 7.2.1: Renewable energy share in the total final energy consumption

2. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

   • Target 9.4: Upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable, with increased resource-use efficiency and greater adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies and industrial processes
   • Indicator 9.4.1: CO2 emission per unit of value added

3. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

   • Target 12.2: By 2030, achieve the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources
   • Indicator 12.2.1: Material footprint, material footprint per capita, and material footprint per GDP

The article discusses the importance of temperature control and heat exchange in bioreactors for biological reactions. The issues highlighted in the article are relevant to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), targets, and indicators.

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

The issues highlighted in the article are connected to the following SDGs:

• SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
• SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

Based on the article’s content, the specific targets that can be identified are:

• Target 7.2: Increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix
• Target 9.4: Upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable, with increased resource-use efficiency and greater adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies and industrial processes
• Target 12.2: By 2030, achieve the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

Yes, there are indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets:

• Indicator 7.2.1: Renewable energy share in the total final energy consumption
• Indicator 9.4.1: CO2 emission per unit of value added
• Indicator 12.2.1: Material footprint, material footprint per capita, and material footprint per GDP

The article discusses the importance of temperature control and heat exchange in bioreactors for biological reactions. Achieving the targets under SDG 7, SDG 9, and SDG 12 would require monitoring indicators such as the share of renewable energy in energy consumption, CO2 emissions per unit of value added, and material footprint per capita and per GDP.

4. Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

The table presents the findings from analyzing the article, listing the relevant SDGs, targets, and indicators. It shows that the issues discussed in the article are connected to SDG 7, SDG 9, and SDG 12, with specific targets and indicators identified for each SDG.

Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.

Source: news-medical.net

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