Can the Horizon Bioreactor Resolve the Scaling Crisis in Precision Fermentation?
Precision fermentation (PF) is a groundbreaking technology that leverages microbial or eukaryotic organisms to produce high-value products. Beyond the laboratory, its success hinges on transitioning these processes to an industrial scale, often exceeding 10,000 liters. However, this scale-up represents a significant technological bottleneck in the biotechnology sector. The inherent challenges arise from complex, scale-dependent phenomena that affect process efficiency. These complications include managing chaotic fluid dynamics, addressing mechanical shear stress on delicate cell membranes, and ensuring an even distribution of gases, heat, and nutrients.