There is perhaps no single device more important to bioprocessing and pharmaceutical  industries than the bioreactor. While its importance is rarely questioned, engineers and plant managers do often debate the usefulness of single-use bioreactors over their stainless steel counterparts. Traditional stainless steel bioreactors may have reigned supreme 10 years ago, but single-use devices offer a number of advantages that simply should not be ignored.

Before we delve into our list of top 3 advantages, let’s first define the difference between the 2 types of bioreactors.

Stainless Steel Vs Single Use: What’s The Difference?

The main difference is that single-use systems are comprised of disposable components, which  are discarded after every use; conversely, stainless steel systems are reusable in nature; therefore, they  must be cleaned thoroughly after every use

Ultimately, you should adopt single-use bioreactors if you want to…

1. Cut Cleaning & Maintenance Costs

Stainless steel systems cost a lot to maintain. As effective as Clean In Place (CIP) and Sterilize in Place (SIP) may be, it’s not always the most cost effective option. Single-use systems, on the other hand, do not require nearly as much upkeep. After all, the beauty of single-use is that you get to discard many of these “dirty” components.

2. Save Time & Increase Productivity

It shouldn’t be too hard to imagine how much time you would save if CIP and SIP steps were eliminated from your standard operating procedures. Moreover, when you no longer require constant assembly and sterilization, you effectively reduce that need for manpower. Not only does this reduce the cost of specialized labor, but it also allows for better utilization of your facility’s existing workforce.

3. Reduce The Risk of Cross-Contamination

Cross-Contamination is a major problem in the pharmaceutical industry. It doesn’t matter how strict your purification process is: if you’re using the same system to manufacture different antibodies or proteins, then there will always be some amount of risk involved. Single-use systems virtually eliminate this risk. Why? Because you don’t have to use the same system for each unique batch!  

Need Disposable Sensors For Your Single-Use Bioreactor? SMD Sensors Can Help!

To perform well, bioreactors require the help of vigilant sensors, and single-use systems are no exception. We offer an array of noninvasive sensors that can be tailored to your specific application. Non-invasive clamp-on flowmeters, pressure sensors, bubble sensors, scales–you name it! If you want your single-use bioreactor to operate at its full unencumbered potential, then don’t wait–contact us today!