Development of a Continuous Taylor Vortex Fermentor-Extractor-Separator  

Member: Iowa State University

Project dates: 2023 - 2026

This project developed a flexible bioreactor design that combines fermentation, product extraction, and separation into a single device, enabling biomanufacturers to carry out efficient small-volume production without relying on large, specialized facilities. This project scaled the technology from 1L to 14L, with future expectations of scaling the technology up to 1,000 – 50,000L fermenters.  

By harnessing Taylor vortex flow inside a rotating cylinder, the system provides uniform mixing and integrated centrifugal separation, which improves microbial stability, reduces genetic drift, and lowers downstream processing costs by eliminating the need for separate equipment.  

This results in an efficient, low-cost option for carrying out fermentation and product separation in portable and re-deployable manufacturing operations, particularly for high-value, low-volume products.  

Funding source: Schmidt Sciences

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Learn how bioreactors – the engines that power bioindustrial manufacturing – are getting an upgrade through this and other projects. Thanks to BioMADE projects funded through Schmidt Sciences, advancements in AI-guided control systems, vortex-powered mixing chambers, wireless sensors, and modular architectures will supercharge the future of bioindustrial manufacturing.