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Bioreactors are multiphase systems which involves the usage of cells or enzymes either in free or immobilized form to convert raw materials to useful products. Efficient transport of oxygen from the bulk gas phase to the surface of the microorganism, transport of nutrients from the liquid phase to the surface of the microorganism is very important and usual these might be rate limiting process. In addition to this, aerobic processes generate sufficient amount of heat, which needs to be removed to prevent death of cells. Plethora of reactor designs are available and the choice of reactor depends on the nature of the process (including reaction kinetics), operating conditions (namely mode of operation and gas liquid contacting patterns), physical and chemical properties of the substrates and the microbe. The special features required for biochemical reactor unlike a traditional chemical reactor are (i) reliable sterilization and ease of maintenance of sterility, (ii) rapid mixing of reactor contents, (iii) sufficient oxygen supply to the cell, (iv) good removal of generated heat, (v) efficient retention of the bioculture in the reactor, (vi) sophisticated level of instrumentation. This summer workshop involves both theory and hands on training with operating bioreactors .
