Bioreactor

Abstract

The present invention relates to a bioreactor comprising a first fluid distribution chamber and a first fluid collection chamber, the reactor adapted to receive at least one conduit in fluid communication between the first fluid distribution chamber and the first fluid collection chamber; wherein the reactor includes a second fluid distribution means including a plurality of distributors arranged to distribute the second fluid between the first fluid distribution chamber and the first fluid collection chamber. The invention extends to a removable insert for a bioreactor comprising a first fluid distribution plate; a first fluid collection plate; and a second fluid distribution means including a plurality of distributors arranged to distribute the second fluid between the first fluid distribution plate and the first fluid collection plate.

1 . A bioreactor comprising:
 a first fluid distribution chamber;   a first fluid collection chamber,   at least one conduit in fluid communication between the first fluid distribution chamber and the first fluid collection chamber; and   second fluid distribution means including a plurality of distributors arranged to distribute a second fluid between the first fluid distribution chamber and the first fluid collection chamber.   
   
   
       2 . A bioreactor according to  claim 1 , further comprising a plurality of conduits in fluid communication between the first fluid distribution chamber and the first fluid collection chamber. 
   
   
       3 . A bioreactor according to  claim 2 , wherein the plurality of conduits are membrane conduits. 
   
   
       4 . A bioreactor according to  claim 2 , wherein a first end of the plurality of conduits are adapted to engage with the first fluid distribution chamber and the second end of the plurality of conduits are adapted to engage with the first fluid collection chamber. 
   
   
       5 . A bioreactor according to  claim 1 , wherein the first fluid is a liquid. 
   
   
       6 . A bioreactor according to  claim 1 , wherein the second fluid is a gas. 
   
   
       7 . A bioreactor according to  claim 2 , wherein the plurality of distributors distribute the second fluid amongst the plurality of conduits. 
   
   
       8 . A bioreactor according to  claim 7 , wherein the plurality of distributors distribute the second fluid in a direction transverse to a longitudinal axis of the plurality of conduits. 
   
   
       9 . A bioreactor according to  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of distributors extend between the first fluid distribution chamber and the first fluid collection chamber. 
   
   
       10 . A bioreactor according to  claim 1 , further comprising at least three distributors. 
   
   
       11 . A bioreactor according to  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of distributors comprise a plurality of outlets located along a length of the distributors. 
   
   
       12 . A bioreactor according to  claim 11 , wherein the plurality of outlets are dimensioned such that substantially equal exit velocities of the second fluid from the distributors is effected across the outlets. 
   
   
       13 . A bioreactor according to  claim 1 , wherein the first fluid distribution chamber and the first fluid collection chamber comprise a plurality of perforated plates. 
   
   
       14 . A bioreactor according to  claim 1 , further comprising a skin defining a lumen between the chambers. 
   
   
       15 . A bioreactor according to  claim 14 , further comprising a second outer skin. 
   
   
       16 . A bioreactor according to  claim 15 , wherein the outer skin is adapted to receive temperature modifying fluids in a space between the skins. 
   
   
       17 . A bioreactor according to  claim 1 , further comprising a plurality of spacer bars separating the first fluid distribution chamber from the first fluid collection chamber. 
   
   
       18 . A bioreactor according to  claim 13 , wherein the perforated plates, conduits and the second fluid distribution means comprise a removable insert. 
   
   
       19 . A bioreactor according to  claim 18 , wherein the removable insert is adapted to engage with a framework of the bioreactor. 
   
   
       20 . A removable insert for a bioreactor, comprising
 a first fluid distribution plate;   a first fluid collection plate; and   second fluid distribution means including a plurality of distributors arranged to distribute a second fluid between the first fluid distribution plate and the first fluid collection plate.   
   
   
       21 . A bioreactor, comprising a frame adapted to receive a removable insert, a first fluid inlet and distribution means, a second fluid inlet and distribution means, a first fluid collection means, and an outlet and a second fluid outlet. 
   
   
       22 . A bioreactor according to  claim 21 , further comprising a plurality of distributors arranged to distribute the second fluid between the first fluid distribution plate and the first fluid collection plate. 
   
   
       23 . A bioreactor according  claim 3 , wherein the membrane conduits are comprised of a polymer material or a ceramic material. 
   
   
       24 . (canceled)