Bioreactor Operation and Monitoring: Master Bioprocess Optimization

Question 1

Which of the following is NOT a critical parameter for successful scale-up in bioreactor operations?

Accepted Answer

Plasmid stability

Answer

Aeration rate

Answer

Agitation speed

Answer

Nutrient availability

Question 2

The primary purpose of troubleshooting in bioreactor operation is to:

Accepted Answer

Identify and resolve process deviations to minimize downtime

Answer

Prevent product contamination and ensure product quality

Answer

Optimize operating conditions for increased efficiency

Answer

Comply with regulatory guidelines and industry best practices

Question 3

The optimal pH range for the majority of microbial growth typically lies between:

Accepted Answer

6.5-7.5

Answer

5.0-6.0

Answer

8.0-9.0

Answer

9.5-10.5

Question 4

The main objective of sterile sampling in bioreactors is to:

Accepted Answer

Obtain a representative sample for analysis without introducing contamination

Answer

Prevent contamination of the culture during sampling procedures

Answer

Calibrate analytical instruments and ensure accurate measurements

Answer

Flush out impurities and maintain process sterility

Question 5

Which type of bioreactor is most suitable for large-scale production of monoclonal antibodies?

Accepted Answer

Stirred-tank bioreactor

Answer

Airlift bioreactor

Answer

Packed-bed bioreactor

Answer

Fluidized-bed bioreactor

Question 6

What is the primary function of dissolved oxygen probes in bioreactor monitoring?

Accepted Answer

Measuring dissolved oxygen concentration

Answer

Controlling agitation rate

Answer

Detecting microbial contamination

Answer

Regulating pH levels

Question 7

What is the primary purpose of cell retention devices in bioreactors?

Accepted Answer

Maintaining high cell concentrations

Answer

Preventing product loss

Answer

Filtering out contaminants

Answer

Measuring cell growth

Question 8

What is the concept of process validation in bioreactor operation?

Accepted Answer

Demonstrating that a process consistently produces the desired product meeting specifications

Answer

Ensuring that a process meets regulatory requirements

Answer

Optimizing process efficiency

Answer

Developing new bioreactor technologies

Question 9

Maintaining optimal pH in a bioreactor is crucial for several reasons. Which of the following is NOT a purpose of pH optimization?

Accepted Answer

Eliminating the need for buffer solutions

Answer

Preventing cell damage

Answer

Enhancing enzyme activity

Answer

Controlling substrate availability

Question 10

Temperature control is essential for maintaining optimal conditions in a bioreactor. Which technique is most frequently used for temperature management?

Accepted Answer

A combination of heat exchanger and electrical heating

Answer

Water bath

Answer

Heat exchanger

Answer

Electrical heating

Question 11

Scaling up a bioreactor process involves increasing the production capacity. Which of the following is NOT a primary objective of scale-up?

Accepted Answer

Eliminating scale-dependent challenges

Answer

Maintaining product quality

Answer

Reducing production costs

Answer

Optimizing process efficiency

Question 12

Fed-batch bioreactors offer several advantages over batch cultures. Which of the following is NOT a benefit of using a fed-batch bioreactor?

Accepted Answer

Simplified process control and monitoring

Answer

Increased cell density and product yields

Answer

Extended culture growth and higher productivity

Answer

Elimination of waste accumulation and substrate depletion

Question 13

In a bioreactor, a sparger serves a specific purpose. Which of the following correctly describes the primary function of a sparger?

Accepted Answer

Providing oxygen for cell respiration

Answer

Introducing nutrients into the culture

Answer

Removing waste products from the culture

Answer

Regulating temperature within the bioreactor

Question 14

In a bioreactor, which parameter is primarily used to gauge fermentation efficiency?

Accepted Answer

Dissolved oxygen concentration

Answer

Agitation rate

Answer

Temperature

Answer

pH level

Question 15

In large-scale biopharmaceutical production, what is a key advantage of using a perfusion bioreactor?

Accepted Answer

Higher product yield and quality due to continuous nutrient supply and waste removal

Answer

Reduced space requirements compared to traditional batch bioreactors

Answer

Lower energy consumption during the production process

Answer

Minimal risk of contamination due to the closed system design

Question 16

The primary purpose of using a dissolved oxygen (DO) probe in a bioreactor is to:

Accepted Answer

Continuously measure and control dissolved oxygen concentration

Answer

Estimate cell concentration

Answer

Monitor pH changes

Answer

Detect contamination

Question 17

Which of the following control strategies maintains a specific dissolved oxygen concentration in the bioreactor?

Accepted Answer

Dissolved oxygen cascade control

Answer

Temperature control

Answer

Fed-batch feeding

Answer

Batch fermentation

Question 18

A bioreactor operating in the fed-batch mode is characterized by:

Accepted Answer

Continuous addition of nutrients during fermentation, allowing for extended growth duration and higher cell densities

Answer

Constant volume and nutrient concentration throughout the fermentation process

Answer

High cell density but limited nutrient supply

Question 19

Which type of sensor is typically used to monitor the pH of a bioreactor?

Accepted Answer

pH electrode

Answer

Flow meter

Answer

Oxygen electrode

Answer

Temperature sensor

Question 20

The primary purpose of sparging in a bioreactor is to:

Accepted Answer

Dissolve and deliver oxygen to aerobic microorganisms, supporting their metabolic processes

Answer

Remove waste products

Answer

Control pH

Answer

Measure cell growth

Question 21

The process of scaling up a bioreactor from benchtop to pilot scale involves:

Accepted Answer

Adjusting operational parameters to maintain similar mass transfer characteristics, ensuring consistent process performance

Answer

Switching to different microorganisms with higher growth rates

Answer

Increasing the agitation rate without considering mass transfer implications

Answer

Changing the composition of the fermentation medium

Question 22

Which of the following troubleshooting techniques can be used to improve low cell growth in a bioreactor?

Accepted Answer

Increase the agitation rate to enhance oxygen transfer and mass transfer

Answer

Change the pH without considering its impact on cell metabolism

Answer

Decrease the temperature below the optimal growth range

Answer

Add antibiotics to the culture, potentially harming the microorganisms

Question 23

The main advantage of using a continuous bioreactor over a batch bioreactor is:

Accepted Answer

Higher productivity due to continuous operation and elimination of lag and stationary phases

Answer

Easier to scale up to larger volumes

Answer

Requires less maintenance and operator intervention

Answer

Lower risk of contamination