Question

Impellers in stirred tank bioreactors helps in ________________

(a) Breaking down large bubbles into smaller ones

(b) Mixing of medium contents

(c) Homogenisation

(d) Homogenisation, mixing, breaking bubbles

The question was asked in an international level competition.

I'm obligated to ask this question of Antibiotics topic in chapter Antibiotics & Enzyme Immobilization of Drug Biotechnology

Answer 1

The correct answer is (d) Homogenisation, mixing, breaking bubbles

The explanation is: Bioreactors are cylindrical vessels with a motor driven shaft that supports one or more impellers or agitators. The bubbles which are generated by the sparger are bigger and has to be broken down to smaller bubbles by the use of impellers. This leads to a uniform and homogeneous environment throughout the bioreactor.