Bioreactor Education, Setup, and Training (BEST)

Members: University of Georgia and Albany State University  

Project dates: 2021 – 2023

Through this project, University of Georgia and Albany State University created instructions and training modules for a Do-It-Yourself bioreactor made with off-the-shelf parts. Details of how to construct and operate this generic bioreactor are available to BioMADE members through the Member Portal.   

Hands-on training in bioreactor operations is critical for student and research success, but many community colleges and universities may not be able to afford the needed equipment. Using off-the-shelf parts, this DIY bioreactor system incorporates motors, sensors, mass flow controllers, and temperature control but can be created with significantly reduced costs. Find detailed instructions, checklists, estimated budget, training modules, and more in the Member Portal. 

Project partners also created thirteen educational video modules to teach viewers technical information regarding bioreactor processes, all of which are available through the Member Portal. The training modules cover the basics of the equipment as well as the theory and operation of bioreactors. Once complete, the materials and equipment developed during this project will make it possible for students in a wide variety of educational institutions to obtain both theoretical and hands-on experience with bioindustrial manufacturing processes.   

Funding source: BioMADE Project Call 1.0

Webinars

Learn more about this project through this November 2022 webinar (left) and a Careers in Biotechnology Panel (right). In October 2022, researchers from University of Georgia and Albany State University partnered to host a Black Scientist panel featuring Darcy Prather, CEO of Kalion, and two alumni of the University of Georgia’s Master of Biomanufacturing and Bioprocessing program.