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.

---

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.

---

Etymology

Origin of bioreactor

First recorded in 1970–75; bio- + reactor

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

bioreactor

One system, a 100 liter bioreactor nicknamed "Shrek," is currently used to process industrial flue gas as part of efforts to reduce air pollution.

From Science Daily ● May 12, 2026

A few attendees, according to Upside Foods Chief Operating Officer Amy Chen, confessed they were nervous to try the lab-grown chicken, which is genetically identical to regular chicken but grown in a bioreactor.

From Salon ● Jan. 30, 2025

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

From Seattle Times ● Jan. 21, 2024

The team first cultured cells from chopped Coffea arabica leaves in a laboratory-scale bioreactor.

From Science Daily ● Dec. 12, 2023

The cells are allowed to divide and grow, before being placed in a large steel bioreactor, which acts like a fermentation tank.

From BBC ● Jun. 7, 2023