Horizontal Single Use Pressurizable Modular Multi-Atitator Microbial Fermentor

摘要

A scalable horizontal single use pressurizable modular multi-agitated portable fermentor for culturing microorganisms is provided. The fermentor is suitable for use in laboratories, research and development facilities and large scale production facilities, particularly modular portable clean room facilities. The product contact sterile bag is constructed of a thin film polymer three dimensional bag incorporating a single use or reuseable magnetic drive impeller fully contained in a stainless steel bag retention vessel designed to permit the bag to be pressurized. Typical control parameters are utilized to facilitate oxygen transfer rate for optimal microbial growth, metabolism, and recombinant protein product formation. Scaling-out consists of extending the base design with additional horizontal modules each with its own independent agitator. Scaling-up consists of utilizing horizontal bag retention vessels and bags with larger internal diameters having impellers geometrically scaled to deliver consistent power per unit volume for consistent performance as the process volumes are increased. An industry standard Rushton Turbine impeller modified to remove all sharp corners will be used for the basic design with an option for a proprietary curved blade impeller where high sparge gas rates are needed to support growth to high cell densities.

主权项

1. A horizontal modular fermentor system for production of microbes comprising a horizontal cylindrical vessel enveloping a space to be used for fermentation, said vessel having a swing open and removable dished head, inlet and outlet ports providing access to said space, and means for agitation, pressurization, and aeration of microbes and growth media inside said vessel.