Question

Anthony needs to obtain biological products in large quantities. He has a vessel with a sparger and one with a stirrer. Which is more advantageous? Why?

Hint:

Standard bioreactors are usually "stirred-tank" types for a reason: mixing is the key to scalability.

Answer 1

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Bioreactors provide optimal growth conditions.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
The stirred-tank bioreactor with a stirrer is more advantageous.
The stirrer ensures uniform mixing of the culture medium and ensures that oxygen is available equally to all the cells throughout the reactor.
A sparger only bubbles air, but without a stirrer, the mixing and nutrient distribution would be uneven.

Step 3: Final Answer:
The stirrer vessel is better as it facilitates constant mixing and better oxygen transfer efficiency.