Study of transport characteristics in various types of bioreactors

The efficiency of new biotechnology and pharmaceutical products manufacture depends on a suitable bioreactor selection. In the design of an optimal bioreactor, they key parameters are the maximum yield of a primary product and, simultaneously, the lifetime of the used microorganisms. The aim of the doctoral study is to compare the design parameters (transport characteristics such as volumetric mass transfer coefficient, gas hold-up and energy dissipation intensity) of three types of the most commonly used bioreactors. The results will be used to characterize the differences and similarities of specific types of bioreactors in terms of gas distribution, mass transfer and mixing depending on the total energy supplied to the system. Transport characteristics will be obtained experimentally for model batches, which will be designed based on physical properties of real broths. Both cooperating workplaces are equipped by necessary facilities i) mechanically stirred reactor, ii) bubble column and iii) air-lift reactor. All bioreactors are adapted to measure transport characteristics by the same methods; therefore, the results will be comparable.

Requirements for an applicant: master degree in chemical or mechanical engineering, organic technology, biotechnology etc.; ability for teamwork; systematic and creative approach to scientific problems; interest in experimental work.

Supervisor: Prof. Dr. Ing. Tomáš Moucha¹

Co-supervisor: Ing. Mária Zedníková^1,2, Ph.D.

¹Department of Chemical Engineering, UCT Prague, Technická 5, CZ-166 28 Prague 6

²Reserach Group of Multiphase Reactors,