Hairy Root Bioreactor
need to add visual content and current design ideas
Introduction
Many varients of controlled grow environments exist with many similarities and stark differences. The Bioreactor is a culmination of various facets from different controlled grow environments. This project will be split into a few different phases: Topic Exploration, Design Scope and Specification, Fabrication of Various Systems, Testing, Fabrication of "Final" System.
Week 2
Selection of bioreactors as the overarching theme for my final project. I began to research the various types of bioreactors with a focus on concepts of operation. After evaluation of various systems a Hairy Root Bioreactor was selected as my biologic matter. need to added selection matrix and evaluation of various systems and images
Week 3
The drive for this week was further evaluation of the mechanical systems for the classic bioreactor forms, and reaching out to industry leaders and scientists who work with hairy roots. Determined the basic sensing which will be needed: DO, pH, brix, temperature and pressure. Inputs for the system are: transgenetic hairy root "not easy to get", sucrose, nutrients, and oxygen. Meeting for the week was: John De La Parra Ph.D. Ethnobotany. John described the current methods used in research laboratories from innoculation to extraction of secondary metabolites. After listening to the current methods used it seems as though there are many areas which the system could be improved. need to add take aways from conversation John supplied me with other people in the field with whom I should speak with and aided in arraigning a meeting.
Week 4
More meetings.... This week's first meeting was with Pamela J. Weathers, Ph.D. Professor of Biology and Biotechnology from WPI. Her knowledge base on the subject was rather helpful, although currently her lab is not conducting any experiements with hairy root cultures. The primary type of bioreactor they use is a mist reactor by means of an ultrasonics transducers. add diagram. She described a unique misting system which isolated the transducer from the liquid via a thin sheet of plastic to increase the longevity of the transducer. The major engineering hurles of a misting systems seems to be the density of the root mass verse the penetration of the mist. DO levels remain high but nerosis of the root mass will occur due to improper nutrient delivery. Pamela also brought up the regulatory hurdles in obtaining and transporting cultures. Since the cultures are innoculated with virus specail USDA licensing must be aquired for proper handling. The importance of proper sanitation was brought to the forefront as many test fail due to external organisms entering the bioreactor. Research began on industry methods of sanitization from classic autoclaves to hydrogene peroxide sterilizing units. Pamela also pointed me towards the current industry leaders in hairy root culture based out of Arkansas State University. Also many of her published works were transmitted to me.