There are three main types of bioreactors: mechanically agitated bioreactors which use propellers to stir tank reactors; air driven bioreactors which are pneumatically agitated using bubbles, columns, and loops; and non-agitated bioreactors like packed beds and fluidized beds that rely on fluid flow rather than mixing devices.

1. Types of Bioreactors
M.Sc. Biotechnology Part II (Sem III)
Paper III - Unit I
Mumbai University
By: Mayur D. Chauhan
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2. 3 main types
• Mechanically agitated bioreactors: Stirred tank
reactor equipped with various propellers (spin,
helix, bladed, paddle), Rotary drum tank reactor,
etc.
• Air driven bioreactors / Pneumatically Agitated
Bioreactors: Bubble column, Concentric tube
Airlift reactor, External loop airlift reactor,
Propeller loop reactor, Jet loop reactor, etc.
• Non-agitated bioreactors: (a) packed bed, (b)
fluidized bed, (c) membrane reactor.
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