AERATION DEVICE FOR BIOREACTORS
An aeration and mixing device for disposable flexible bioreactors comprising a mesh of interconnected perforated disposable tubes to form a structure to cover essentially the entire bottom surface of a disposable flexible bioreactor and wherein a continuous flow of gases through the perforations in the tubes provides an aeration and a mixing function.
1 . An aeration and mixing device for bioreactors comprising a plurality of perforated tubes interconnected to form a horizontal mesh disposed in a bioreactor, wherein the mesh is connected to one or more gas inlets.
2 . The device of claim 1 , wherein the mesh comprises essentially a horizontal surface or axis of the bioreactor.
3 . The device of claim 1 , further comprising one or more connectors for anchoring the mesh to the bioreactor.
4 . The device of claim 1 , wherein the perforated tubes have a porosity of 0.1 to 200 microns.
5 . The device of claim 1 , wherein the perforated tubes have a diameter ranging from 0.1 to 2 inches.
6 . The device of claim 1 , wherein the perforated tubes are comprised of a flexible material.
7 . The device of claim 1 , wherein the perforated tubes are comprised of an inflexible material.
8 . The device of claim 6 , wherein the flexible material comprises polyethylene, polyurethane, polypropylene, PVC, or nylon mesh.
9 . The device of claim 7 , wherein the inflexible material comprises ceramic, metal, fiberglass, or plastic.
10 . The device of claim 1 , wherein the horizontal mesh is disposable.
11 . The device of claim 1 , wherein the perforated tubes are connected using plastic connectors.
12 . The device of claim 1 , wherein mixing is achieved by flowing gas through the perforated tubes into the bioreactor.
13 . A disposable bioreactor comprising an aeration and mixing device comprising a plurality of disposable perforated tubes interconnected to form a horizontal mesh, wherein the mesh is connected to one or more gas inlets.