When scientists are working in a lab, they usually have to use special equipment, called bioreactors, to help them grow cells and bacteria for their experiments. The main types of bioreactors scientists have to choose from are single-use and stainless-steel bioreactors. Each have their own pros and cons, which it’s good to be aware of before you make up your mind about what suits your specific needs best.

Differentiating between single-use and stainless-steel bioreactors:

Single-use bioreactors are what they sound like they are used only once and then disposed. After the cells or bacteria are grown in a one-use reactor, the entire setup is thrown away, a feature that might be appealing to researchers who do not want to waste time cleaning and sterilizing their equipment. Stainless-steel bioreactors, on the other hand, are reproducible, and easier to clean and sterilize between uses, which makes them the sustainable choice in the long-term.

Factors to consider when deciding between single-use and stainless-steel bioreactors include:

There are a few points to think about between a single-use and a stainless-steel bioreactors for cell culture when choosing which to use. It depends on a couple of factors, the first being the scale of your experiment (single-use bioreactors are used more for smaller-scale projects whereas stainless-steel bioreactors are used for larger-scale experiments). Second, cost is a key factor as well, as single-use bioreactors tend to have a lower sum-up-front cost, whereas stainless-steel bioreactors might costs more, but can save costs in the long term because they can be reused.

Assessment of a stainless steel bioreactor

An economic model showing the cost savings of single-use bioreactors vs. conventional bioreactors) 1 has been presented upon which this comparative economic analysis was based.

They are also a less expensive choice for researchers who are working on smaller projects and have to watch costs. But in the long term, stainless-steel bioreactors can be more economical as they can be used more than once without requiring replacement. Performance-wise, both stainless-steel and glass bioreactor are able to generate high-quality results; however, stainless-steel ones tend to be more robust and dependable.

Comparative environmental analysis between single use and stainless steel bioreactor:

Environmental concerns are also the main factor in the selection between SUS bioreactors and SS bioreactors. Single-use bioreactors generate more waste as they are to be discarded after a single use, so they can be environmentally hazardous. Stainless-steel bioreactors, however, are more green as they can be used many times, so researchers aren't wasting as much plastic.

Backed by Top Tips for choosing the right bioreactor for your needs:

While comparing both the single-use and stainless-steel bioreactor, do you have any special things to take into your consideration that can suit your needs according to your experiment? Alternatively, if you are in the process of scaling down and are looking for an affordable solution, a disposable bioreactor could be ideal for your needs. But if you're working on a bigger experiment and you're looking for something that's a bit more long term and sustainable, then maybe a stainless-steel bioreactor is your best bet. At the end of the day, the bioreactor that’s right for you will vary depending on your specific needs and what your research is trying to accomplish.

In summation, single-use and stainless-steel air lift bioreactors each have their pros and cons, so it’s important to think carefully before you choose one over the other. No matter which bioreactor you use, whether single-use technology or stainless-steel bioreactor, the most important is the results your experiments will benefit. and remember, KNIK is committed to helping researchers find the right tool for their research; consider us as a resource learner below if you have any questions related to the best bioreactor for your application.