Bioreactors for plant biomass production and bioprocessing

Abstract

In vitro propagation of plant biomass has played a key role in the production of plant-based vaccines, being the first US Department of Agriculture (USDA)-approved vaccine produced in cell suspension cultures. This chapter presents an analysis of the main characteristics and design aspects related to the distinct bioreactor types used for plant cell culture in the production of plant-based vaccines. Culture strategies for plant cells and bioprocess factors influencing yields or productivity in plant cultivation are also discussed with emphasis in biopharmaceutical production. Besides describing the main bioreactor types, the importance of operational conditions, design, scale-up, and bioprocess optimization is emphasized. Main parameters that would pave the way towards the successful commercialization of vaccines using plant cell bioprocesses are also discussed.