Patent ID: 9017997
Filing Date: 2015-04-28
Classification: C12M

Abstract:
1. A bioreactor comprising: at least one wall having opposite inner and outer surfaces and defining an interior of the bioreactor for holding a culture medium, a reinforced hydrophilic filter medium having a peripheral edge fixed to the inner surface of the at least one wall of the bioreactor, all areas of the reinforced hydrophilic filter medium inward of the peripheral edge being unconnected to the at least one wall of the bioreactor to define a collection/distributing compartment between the inner surface of the at least one wall of the bioreactor and the reinforced hydrophilic filter medium inward of the peripheral edge thereof, the reinforced hydrophilic filter medium comprises a hydrophilic microporous filter membrane having a first surface facing toward the collection/distributing compartment and a second surface facing toward the interior of the bioreactor, the reinforced hydrophilic filter medium further having a porous reinforcing fabric connected to each of the first and second surfaces, so that the hydrophilic microporous filter membrane is reinforced by the porous reinforcing fabric connected thereto and has a degree of swelling and/or shrinkage of at most 1% in water; and at least one connection extending from the collecting/distributing compartment to areas outside the bioreactor for supply or removal of media.