Virtual labs for the study of enzymatic stirred tank bioreactors

Abstract

Virtual laboratories have successfully proven to be very versatile and intuitive when simulating experiments in science, biotechnology, and engineering. These tools must complement the experiments carried out in real labs or pilot plants. This study describes the creation of a virtual laboratory through the Easy JavaScript Simulation platform. A web-based simulation of an enzymatic stirred-tank bioreactor has been built using a dynamic model. This simulation reproduces the behavior of a continuous bioreactor, including the deviations of ideal mixing conditions as by the use of an in tanks-in-series model for nonideal flow. This article describes the continuous dynamic model in a stirred tank bioreactor, as well as the operation of a tool capable of carrying out virtual practice with students. Practice scripts have been developed that should be used by students during the practical classes. This interactive tool is powerful and useful to develop many experiments by varying the different input parameters, saving time and resources. In addition, the tool allows following teaching sessions in specific situations such as the health situation derived from the pandemic caused by COVID-19.