Table 1.
Advantages and disadvantages of disposable bioreactors
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Low shear stress | Integrity of the bags |
| Disposability of the PET bags after a single use | Possible contamination in the bags |
| Use for suspension or microcarrier systems | Volumes up to 2,000 L |
| Eliminates time- and energy-consuming sterilization process | Gradients of oxygen, pH, temperature, and nutrients at high volumes |
| Avoids cleaning validation studies: not cross-contamination | Some limitations in the control of parameters |
| Lower plant investment than in the case of stainless steel or glass bioreactors | It is necessary to use an adequate mixing device to increase the k La value |
| Uses: production of human and veterinary vaccines, Mabs, proteins, and gene therapy vectors | Perfusion systems are less explored |