Question

Anthony needs to obtain biological products in large quantities. He has a vessel with a sparger and one with a stirrer. Which is more advantageous? Why?

Hint:

Standard bioreactors are usually "stirred-tank" types for a reason: mixing is the key to scalability.

Answer 1

Step 1: Understand the two vessels mentioned.
Anthony has two types of vessels used in industrial biotechnology:
• A vessel with a sparger
• A vessel with a stirrer

Step 2: Identify the more advantageous vessel.
The vessel with a stirrer (stirred-tank bioreactor) is more advantageous for obtaining biological products in large quantities.

Step 3: Explain the reason.
A stirrer continuously mixes the culture medium, ensuring proper distribution of oxygen, nutrients, temperature, and microorganisms throughout the vessel. This mixing increases contact between microbes and nutrients, leading to faster growth and higher product yield.

In contrast, a sparger mainly introduces air or oxygen into the vessel but does not mix the medium as effectively as a stirrer.

Final Answer:
The vessel with a stirrer is more advantageous because it ensures efficient mixing of nutrients, oxygen, and microorganisms, resulting in better growth and higher production of biological products.