We are pleased to announce a strategic shift in our Stainless Steel Bioreactor Engineering and Manufacturing capabilities. For many years, stainless steel bioreactors and fermenters have been the preferred solution for cell and microbial cultivations in biopharmaceutical and industrial biotechnological applications, thanks to their durability, resistance to corrosion, and ease of cleaning, making them ideal for both research and large-scale production.
As we move forward, our focus will transition towards Hybrid Facilities, integrating Stainless Steel Bioreactors with Single-use unit operations in both Upstream and Downstream processes. We will gradually phase out our standalone Stainless Steel Bioreactor business, including Biostat® Cplus and Biostat® D-DCU bioreactors, with sales continuing until late 2025.
Nevertheless, we remain committed to supporting our stainless steel solutions on a smaller scale and in specific cases, recognizing their continued value in certain applications. Please reach out to us for more information on how these changes may affect your operations and to discuss any specific needs you may have.
You can find alternative solutions for your needs, choosing from bioreactors and fermenters from 100 mL up to 2,000 L.
For more than 50 years, Sartorius Stedim Biotech has been serving the biotechnology industry globally with leading edge cultivation systems. Our international engineering and manufacturing teams have delivered numerous pilot scale and production systems worldwide.
Our centers of excellence in bioprocess engineering ensure highest quality standards through a strong local structure, aligned with the company-wide quality management system.
| Attributes | Stainless Steel Bioreactors | Single-Use Bioreactors |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Durable and robust, but less flexible. Established technology. | Disposable design that reduces the need for cleaning and sterilization. |
| Scalability | Established stir-tank design. Well known scaling models over a huge range of volumes. | Stir-tank design allows scalability for various production sizes with either multi-use or single-use designs. |
| Oxygen Supply | Allows achievement of high kLa. vessel overpressure possible to increase oxygen supply. | Pure oxygen spiking is utilized to enhance high-demanding processes, ensuring optimal performance without the risk of overpressure. |
| Exhaust System | Integrated stainless steel systems for efficient gas removal. | Single-use exhaust systems, designed for effective operation with minimal complexity. |
| Setup and Flexibility | Requires significant setup time and infrastructure. High installation costs. | Quick setup and high flexibility, ideal for rapid production changes and adaptability to new modalities and processes. |
| Maintenance | Regular maintenance and cleaning required due to complex SIP design. | Minimal maintenance due to disposability, reducing downtime, lengthy validation, and operational costs. |
| Process Robustness | Highly robust, suitable for high-demanding processes. | Designed for robustness in various applications, offering reliability and efficiency. |
| Case Studies | Extensive historical data available. | Growing number of case studies, highlighting successful applications in biopharmaceuticals and other industries. |
Find the right solution for your needs, choosing from bioreactors and fermenters from 100 mL up to 2,000 L. |
