Bioreactors For Pharmaceuticals
The Use of Bioreactors in The Pharmaceutical Industry
The pharmaceutical industry relies heavily on bioreactors to support a wide range of biological research applications, from cell therapy to vaccine development.1 These bioreactors provide a controlled environment for the growth of microorganisms, such as bacteria, cells, and algae, in order to produce biomolecules or biomaterials used in biopharmaceuticals. Popular cell cultures used include Chinese Hamster Ovary cells (CHO), and Spodoptera frugiperda-derived ovarian cell (SF9).2
Bioreactors offer a precise control over the growth of biological organisms, allowing researchers to manipulate factors such as temperature, pH, and nutrient supply.3 This has enabled the production of more complex and sophisticated products and revolutionised the development process of new drugs. Bioreactors have proven invaluable in the pharmaceutical industry, offering researchers the ability to study cell growth and function, and optimise the development process of treatment options.3
Biopharmaceuticals
Pharmaceutical products derived from living materials such as animal and plant cells are referred to as biopharmaceuticals or biologics. Produced using bioreactors, biopharmaceuticals include vaccines, therapeutic proteins, blood and blood components, and tissues. 4 Due to their absence of chemicals, biopharmaceuticals have seen a surge in demand and acceptance in recent years.4
Could Bioreactors Provide a Cure for Diabetes?
Diabetes is a disease caused by the pancreas not producing enough insulin, meaning glucose can’t get into your cells and be used for energy.5 If left untreated, this can lead to some very serious health risks. Unfortunately, there is no current cure for diabetes. But with the help of bioreactors and biopharmaceuticals, there is hope for a brighter future for those that suffer from this disease.
Beta, alpha, delta, and F cells are the endocrine cells located within the pancreas that are responsible for the production of hormones.6 These cells form clusters of cells, known as islets, which are found within the pancreas. Type 1 diabetes is caused by a malfunction of the immune system, which attacks and destroys the beta islet cells, without damaging the alpha, delta, and F cells.6 Beta cells are responsible for the production of insulin.6
Stem-cell-based therapies have now been seen as a promising option for treating diabetes. Stem cells derived from umbilical cord tissue can potentially offer a solution to the problem of insulin deficiency.7 These stem cells can generate the islet cells that diabetics lack, reducing the need for insulin injections. This revolutionary approach has been known to reduce glucose levels and insulin requirements, and a single infusion of these cells can provide long-term benefits to diabetic patients, and lead to a better quality of life.7 Bioreactors are used in the process to create the ideal conditions for these cells to grow.
Biopharma Bioreactors From Froilabo
If you work in the production of biopharmaceuticals, Froilabo have the perfect range of bioreactors to assist you with your bio pharmacy needs.
Froilabo’s fully automated lab-scale bioreactors and fermenters have been designed to enable adaptations and variations to suit specific customer requirements.
Our range:
- 1 L Twin Bioreactor
- 5 L Bioreactors for Cell Cultivations
- 5 L Bioreactor for Microbial Fermentations
- 15 L Bioreactors for Cell Cultivations
- 15 L Bioreactor for Microbial Fermentations
Explore the full range or talk to us about your customisation needs.
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References
- https://resources.arcmachines.com/bioreactors-in-the-pharmaceutical-industry-ami/#:~:text=The%20term%20%E2%80%9Cbioreactor%E2%80%9D%20in%20the,bacteria%2C%20cells%2C%20and%20algae.
- https://pharsol.com/knowledge-hub/blog/what-are-bioreactors-used-for#medical
- https://www.excedr.com/blog/what-is-a-bioreactor/
- https://www.medicaldesignbriefs.com/component/content/article/mdb/pub/features/articles/40742
- https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/what-is-diabetes
- Developing large-scale bioreactor protocols to expand pancreatic endocrine tissue to treat type 1 diabetes (ucalgary.ca)
- https://www.dvcstem.com/post/can-stem-cells-treat-diabetes#:~:text=The%20use%20of%20stem%20cells,the%20need%20for%20exogenous%20insulin.