Research Bioreactor

The idea

With the Research Bioreactor, new approaches to metabolism can be investigated for photosynthesis processes in synthetic biology.

The objective

In automated bioreactors, artificially produced chloroplasts – known as droplets – could make a sustainable contribution in future to the supplies of energy and raw materials in keeping with a circular economy.

Technical data

• Overall height: 35.0 cm
• Diameter: 13.5 cm
• Capacity: 2.0 l
• Cultivation capacity: 1.5 l
• Thickness of alga layer: 0.37 cm
• Sensors in the bioreactor: 13
• Parameters monitored: 9
• Number of pumps: 7

Model

The Research Bioreactor, a smaller version of the PhotoBionicCell, is specially designed for the requirements of research operations and exemplifies learning in the broad field of biotransformation.

Research approach

Artificial photosynthesis opens up the possibility of binding atmospheric carbon dioxide. For this purpose, research is being conducted into artificial chloroplasts – synthetically produced water-in-oil droplets that contain components of plant organisms, enzymes and biocatalysts. Like their models from nature, these miniature reaction vessels with a diameter of 90 micrometres are capable of binding and converting carbon dioxide by means of light energy.