Abstract

NASA: The use of bioreactors during space flight is discussed. The major elements of a bioreactor are a culture chamber, sensors, a control unit with feedback, as gas exchange system, a pump, fresh culture medium, and a waste reservoir. Types of bioreactors developed for use in space include the Woodlawn Wanderer 9 apparatus, the Space tissue loss system, rotating wall vessel, dynamic cell culture system and the SBR I. Future development for space bioreactors include improvements for cultivation of mammalian cells and tissue engineering and the transfer of bioreactor technology for earth-bound instruments.