Question

What is the primary role of shear forces in a stirred-tank bioreactor?

• A. Enhance oxygen transfer to cells
• B. Improve nutrient uptake by cells
• C. Prevent cell aggregation
• D. Damage cells and affect cell viability

Hint:

While shear forces are crucial for mixing and preventing aggregation in a stirred-tank bioreactor, they can also damage cells, impacting their viability.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Let's analyze each option:
(1) Enhance oxygen transfer to cells: Shear forces may help in mixing and increase the surface area for oxygen transfer, but their primary role is not to enhance oxygen transfer. Hence, this is not the correct answer.
(2) Improve nutrient uptake by cells: Although mixing in the bioreactor may help with nutrient distribution, shear forces are not directly responsible for improving nutrient uptake by cells. Hence, this is not the correct answer.
(3) Prevent cell aggregation: Shear forces can prevent cell aggregation, but this is not their primary function in a stirred-tank bioreactor. Hence, this is not the correct answer.
(4) Damage cells and affect cell viability: While shear forces are important for mixing in a bioreactor, they can also cause mechanical damage to cells, affecting their viability. This is the primary role of shear forces. This is the correct answer.
Conclusion: The correct answer is Option 4: Damage cells and affect cell viability.