Benchtop bioreactor for advanced bioprocess control
The Biostream benchtop bioreactor is a flexible platform designed for advanced bioprocess development, microbial cultivation, and cell culture applications. Engineered for research, process optimisation, and small-scale production, it combines precise process control with extensive connectivity, making it suitable for universities, biotechnology companies, pharmaceutical laboratories, and industrial research facilities. Available from Apex Scientific, a trusted supplier of laboratory equipment in South Africa, this benchtop bioreactor integrates intelligent control software, configurable hardware, and a wide range of sensor options to support demanding laboratory workflows.
Intelligent control for reliable process development
At the heart of the system is the Biostream BOS control platform, which provides comprehensive monitoring, data logging, and process control through an intuitive interface. The software can be operated from the integrated touchscreen, a desktop computer, tablet, or mobile device, allowing researchers to monitor experiments wherever they are. Furthermore, the software supports network operation, enabling multiple benchtop bioreactor systems to be managed from a single workstation. Since software updates are provided regularly without additional licence costs, laboratories continue to benefit from new functionality throughout the system’s lifetime.
The controller supports communication with up to 32 bioreactor systems and provides advanced PID control loops for stable and repeatable operation. Consequently, researchers can confidently optimise microbial cultivation and cell culture processes while maintaining accurate environmental conditions.
Extensive connectivity for laboratory equipment
The Biostream platform has been designed to integrate with a wide variety of laboratory equipment and analytical instruments. Digital communication protocols, analogue inputs and outputs, Modbus connectivity, CAN Bus, RS-232 communication, and configurable I/O allow the system to connect with pumps, gas mixers, valves, chillers, biomass sensors, off-gas analysers, balances, pH sensors, dissolved oxygen probes, and additional process instrumentation.
Moreover, external equipment from third-party manufacturers can be incorporated into the control platform, providing excellent flexibility when upgrading existing laboratory infrastructure or developing specialised bioprocess workflows.
Flexible process control and automation
The standard base unit includes integrated motor control, gas mixing capability, multiple mass flow controllers, rotameters, configurable analogue or digital pumps, and network connectivity. Additional sensors, gas analysers, and monitoring devices can also be added as research requirements evolve.
Integrated and external pumps can be configured for acid, base, feed, antifoam, and level control. Because both analogue and digital pump configurations are supported, laboratories can tailor the system to specific microbial cultivation, bacterial fermentation, algae research, and cell culture applications.
Accurate environmental control
Precise environmental control is essential for reproducible bioprocess results. The Biostream benchtop bioreactor uses a water-jacketed vessel with PID temperature regulation to deliver stable heating and cooling performance. Intelligent Pt-100 temperature sensors provide accurate measurement, while an integrated safety thermostat protects valuable experiments.
The system also supports automatic pH control using acid, base, or carbon dioxide addition, together with intelligent pH probes that store calibration information. Dissolved oxygen is continuously monitored using intelligent DO sensors with measurement capability from 0–200%, allowing researchers to maintain optimal growth conditions throughout fermentation.
Depending on the selected configuration, the system can also be supplied with SIP capability for applications requiring sterilisation in place and aseptic operation.
Designed for laboratories in South Africa
Whether your laboratory focuses on microbial cultivation, bacterial fermentation, algae research, cell culture, or broader bioprocess development, the Biostream benchtop bioreactor provides a scalable, highly configurable solution that adapts to changing research requirements. Apex Scientific supports laboratories throughout South Africa with expert application advice, installation, training, and after-sales support to help researchers achieve reliable and reproducible results.
To learn more, visit the Apex Scientific Insights page for application articles and technical resources. You can also explore the complete Biostream range on the Biostream website to discover additional bioprocess solutions and compatible accessories.
