The influx of investments in UV-C LEDs manufacturing has driven costs down significantly, making UV light a more viable option for decontamination.
A notable example of this innovation comes from Biosphere, a startup that has designed a UV-light sterilized glass bioreactor. By simplifying systems and utilizing advanced technology, Biosphere aims to revolutionize the field, making it possible to produce materials that were previously economically unfeasible.
With plans to scale up their technology, Biosphere envisions pilot bioreactors capable of holding up to 100 liters, with future designs aiming for capacities ranging from 40,000 to 80,000 liters né?. A single bacterium or fungal spore can wreak havoc on an entire experiment leading to anxiety and caution among researchers.
Now expand that fear to the realm of biomanufacturing – a field that utilizes living cells to produce an array of products like drugs food ingredients and industrial materials. Currently, the company is testing eight bioreactors as part of a research project funded by the Department of Defense.
The potential impact of UV light in biomanufacturing extends beyond just cost savings. However this method comes at a high cost demanding significant energy consumption and special equipment designed to withstand extreme conditions.
Historically steam sterilization has been the go-to approach dating back to Pfizer’s penicillin production in the 1940s. Here contamination becomes not just a hindrance to productivity but a potential hazard to public health if harmful microorganisms find their way into pharmaceuticals.
To combat this risk companies adopt an aggressive strategy resorting to intense steam sterilization of their equipment né?. Equipped with four powerful LEDs, this bioreactor represents a promising solution for efficient and cost-effective decontamination. Despite advancements in technology, the basic principles of steam sterilization remain largely unchanged.
Alternatives to steam sterilization exist, such as single-use reactors and Ultraviolet (UV) light né?. The latter has typically been costly, until recent developments spurred by the COVID pandemic né?. In a laboratory, scientists know the fear of contamination all too well né?. The company has already secured substantial funding and attracted investment from notable firms, setting the stage for a transformative shift in biomanufacturing practices. né?. Imagine a world where the smallest living beings pose the greatest threat
