Bioreactor refers to a device system that uses the special functions of enzymes or organisms (such as microorganisms, animal and plant cells, etc.). ) biochemical reaction in vitro.

Bioreactors are different from chemical reactors. Chemical reactor is a high energy-consuming process, and it often needs pressure heating from raw materials to product generation. On the other hand, bioreactor can be chemically synthesized at normal temperature and pressure with the participation of enzymes and microorganisms. Therefore, after the advent of bioreactor, it has attracted the attention of the chemical community. Chemical engineering experts believe that the chemical synthesis process should be completed by organisms as much as possible. Designing an ideal bioreactor has become an important task of modern biotechnology industry.

Two points should be considered in designing bioreactor: one is to choose high-specific enzymes or suitable living cells as catalysts to minimize by-products and improve product yield; The second is to increase the concentration of products as much as possible and reduce costs.

Bioreactors were first used in the fermentation industry. The bioreactor used in the fermentation industry is actually a fermentor. The other is an enzyme reactor with immobilized enzyme or immobilized cell as catalyst. The largest fermenter in the world is 100 meters high, 7 meters in diameter and 4,000 cubic meters in volume. Seen from a distance, it looks like a spectacular circular tower.