Automation for industrial bioprocesses and controlled cultivation

With BioTech Automation, Festo introduces a range of automation solutions designed to support bioprocess management and biotechnology production based on the controlled cultivation of microorganisms. The presentation at Analytica includes three demonstration configurations: a loop bioreactor, a stainless steel bioreactor, and a laboratory-scale bench reactor, each equipped with automation technologies for precise control of critical process variables.

Control of critical parameters in bioprocesses
Optimal growth of bacteria, yeast, and microalgae requires tightly controlled environmental conditions. Parameters such as temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen concentration, nutrient supply, and gas distribution must be continuously measured and regulated.

Festo provides solutions for gas and liquid handling, motion systems, sensors, and control technology, including ready-to-install control cabinets. The aim is to ensure uniform distribution of air, oxygen, or CO₂ within the reactor while maintaining operational stability throughout the cultivation process.

Stainless steel bioreactor for industrial applications
The stainless steel bioreactor, commonly used in industrial biotechnology, is designed for cultivating microorganisms such as E. coli. Integration of Festo components enables precise control of process flows and scalability toward production environments where repeatability and reliability are essential.

Photobioreactor for microalgae cultivation
In microalgae applications, photosynthesis represents the central metabolic process, converting CO₂ into sugars while releasing oxygen. The compressed-air photobioreactors (FPA), each with a six-liter capacity, optimize the interaction between light, carbon dioxide, and nutrients. Automation ensures controlled adjustment of environmental parameters and continuous monitoring of growth conditions.

Learning reactor and biomechatronics training
In addition to industrial applications, Festo presents a modular learning reactor developed for technical education in biomechatronics. The system integrates educational hardware and software to demonstrate the fundamentals of automation in bioprocesses, addressing emerging skills requirements in the bioindustrial sector.

Customized solutions and digital integration
Beyond individual components, Festo offers customized system solutions for bioreactors, including complete control cabinets and dedicated software ranging from control-level applications to cloud integration. Real-time data analysis and seamless system integration enable efficient and transparent process control, supporting the transition toward more sustainable and digitalized production models.

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