bioreactor

American  

[bahy-oh-ree-ak-ter] / ˌbaɪ oʊ riˈæk tər /

noun

1. Biotechnology. a fermentation vat for the production of living organisms, as bacteria or yeast, used in industrial processes such as waste recycling or in the manufacture of drugs or other products.

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bioreactor Scientific  

/ bī′ō-rē-ăk′tər /

1. An apparatus, such as a large fermentation chamber, for growing organisms such as bacteria or yeast under controlled conditions. Bioreactors are used in the biotechnological production of substances such as pharmaceuticals, antibodies, or vaccines, or for the bioconversion of organic waste.

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Etymology

Origin of bioreactor

First recorded in 1970–75; bio- + reactor

Example Sentences

He showed me a set-up, called a bioreactor, at Imperial College's Bezos Centre for Sustainable Proteins in west London.

From BBC • Apr. 21, 2025

According to Nature, the products begin with a small sample of animal cells, typically muscle cells, which are cultured in a controlled environment like a bioreactor.

From Salon • May 6, 2024

Washington State University is developing a new bioreactor designed to grow T-cells that help kill cancer.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 21, 2024

The bioreactor uses centrifugal force to act on the growing cells while they are suspended as a dense, cloud and continuously bathed by the inward flow of medium containing nutrients.

From Science Daily • Oct. 26, 2023

After four to six weeks, the material is 'harvested' from the bioreactor.

From BBC • Jun. 7, 2023