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.

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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.

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Etymology

Origin of bioreactor

First recorded in 1970–75; bio- + reactor

Example Sentences

He showed me a set-up, called a bioreactor, at Imperial College's Bezos Centre for Sustainable Proteins in west London.

From BBC • Apr. 21, 2025

The data they gather will inform the construction of a larger, better bioreactor which the scientists will send into space next year, according to Dr Ledesma-Amaro.

From BBC • Apr. 21, 2025

According to Nature, the products begin with a small sample of animal cells, typically muscle cells, which are cultured in a controlled environment like a bioreactor.

From Salon • May 6, 2024

Additionally, the current lab-grown powders contained twice as much caffeine as previous bioreactor coffee products, although the current powders' levels were much lower than those in farmed beans.

From Science Daily • Dec. 12, 2023

Jerry Hill, who has farmed for 52 years, attended the Story County meeting with other farmers and is leaning toward installing a bioreactor along a creek that borders his property.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 20, 2023