Choosing The Right Single-Use Bioreactor Platform

When selecting a bioreactor, you can choose stainless steel or single-use technologies, depending on your biomanufacturing requirements. The bioreactor is a key component of your bioprocessing workflow and should be regarded as a strategic asset. It is important that this core technology is carefully chosen, specified, designed, and supported, both now and in the future.

Stainless steel bioreactors, at capacities of 10,000 to 20,000 liters or greater, are still the preferred option when producing large-scale products. But single-use bioreactors, typically 1,000 or 2,000 liters, are quickly becoming the preferred option for small-scale production.

When producing biologics, single-use can provide benefits such as lower capital investment, lower operating expenses, and lower environmental footprint. It also offers the flexibility to produce larger numbers of smaller batches, with faster turnaround times compared to traditional stainless steel.

Cell densities are predicted to continue to rise, as is the need to produce greater quantities of proteins, all in an environment of increasing regulatory requirements. If you decide to opt for single-use, it’s important to select the bioreactor that meets not just your current needs but also is able to support the demands of future processes.