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Taking a Look at Cryogel Bioreactors

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Cryogel bioreactors are a new type of bioreactor currently being developed. According to Jain and Kumar (2008), “cryogels are three dimensional scaffolds formed at sub-zero temperatures”.
Cryogels typically have macropores which are interdependent of each other, allowing near effortless diffusion of solutes of any size which may be needed and also mass transport of nanoparticles and microparticles. The structures of cryogels make them appealing matrices for chromatography of biological nanoparticles and may even be useful for whole cells. The structure of these cryogels allow for great osmotic, mechanical and chemical stability which is what makes them so attractive to use. Polymeric cryogels are efficient carriers for the immobilization of biomolecules and cells.
Polymetric cryogels are generally used in cryogel bioreactors. This is used a surface for cell growth and for the production of proteins and antibodies. The column of the reactor is enclosed in a transparent plastic or glass cartridge. These cartridges are essentially disposable. Although these reactors are high yields and low cost, over an amount of time these costs would all add up and this type is only really viable on a low scale production.
One type of bioreactor being developed is the disposable polymeric cryogel bioreactor matrix for therapeutic protein production. Low cost and high efficiency make disposable bioreactors feasible for small-scale therapeutic development and initial clinical trials. This

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