Overview

In our Dry-lab division, our mission is to pioneer the development of an economically viable, versatile, and efficient biomass collection system customized for wastewater treatment through co-culture integration.

We also anticipate that bio-foundry will revolutionize biotechnology, automating labor-intensive tasks. Our bio-reactor is designed to work effectively with the co-culture AHL biocontainment system. We've focused on its potential to showcase versatility in various engineering aspects when an effective biocontainment system is in place.

Conventional closed bio-reactors are robust but costly for environmental use. In response, we've created a dual-tank bio-reactor: one tank retains microorganisms on an adhesive film, while the other uses brushes for automatic collection, providing a practical and cost-effective solution.

This innovation builds on insights from last year's project, resulting in a successful redesign and reconstruction.

Problem & solution

Conventional bio-reactors often employ a closed system approach, which effectively reduces the risk of unintended LMO release. However, when expanding these bio-reactors to environmental applications, they often introduce challenges of increased costs and complex mechanical systems.

In contrast, integrating our biocontainment system with open-type bio-reactors offers clear advantages in terms of cost-efficiency and mechanical simplicity.

To address these issues, we've designed a dual-tank bio-reactor. One tank contains a growth medium for yeast or microalgae and features an adherent film.

Simultaneously, the second tank incorporates two substantial brushes to automatically detach colonies from the film and facilitate their collection. This innovative system combines automation with simplicity, making it ideal for wastewater treatment applications.

figure 1. bio-reactor

figure 2. bio-reactor performance

figure 3. brush for bio-mass collecting

• Development

Last year, the bio-reactor we developed had four shortcomings:





1. Microbial-adhesive filter and reactor durability.
2. Structural limitations for automation system integration.
3. Biomass collection convenience.
4. Mobility for transporting the bio-reactor.


figure 4. previous bio-reactor we build last year





We identified these issues in all four areas and proceeded to address them in our design. As a result, the bio-reactor we have now created successfully resolves these problems:

1. We improved filter durability by changing the material from long red-velvet silk to more robust PE mesh.
2. The previous bio-reactor design only allowed for a single lifting system within one large tank. However, the new design employs various components structurally, enabling a more diversified range of operations. Additionally, it can be easily replaced with a new tank if necessary, providing greater flexibility in hardware approaches.
3. To facilitate biomass collection, we designed the bio-reactor with two brushes that can dislodge microorganisms growing between the meshes. Once collected, the chamber can be replaced with a new one, enhancing convenience.
4. To eliminate the inconvenience of requiring two people to carry the bio-reactor, we added wheels for improved mobility.