A temporary immersion bioreactor (TIB) is a specialized system used in plant tissue culture for the mass propagation of plant material under controlled conditions. It’s designed to provide a controlled environment for growing plant tissues in a liquid medium.
The temporary immersion bioreactor operates by periodically immersing the plant material in a liquid nutrient medium. The system consists of containers equipped with a platform that holds the plant material above the medium. Periodically, the platform with the plant material is immersed in the liquid medium for a short duration, allowing the tissue to absorb nutrients and growth regulators. After this immersion period, the platform is raised, allowing the excess liquid to drain away, and the plant material remains in contact with the air for a period.
This intermittent immersion approach in temporary immersion bioreactors provides several advantages:
Enhanced nutrient absorption: The periodic immersion allows for better absorption of nutrients and growth regulators by the plant tissues, promoting growth and development.
Reduced contamination: Since the plant material spends a limited time in direct contact with the liquid medium, the risk of contamination from microbes is reduced compared to continuous immersion systems.
Improved aeration: Periodic exposure to air enhances gas exchange and aeration for the plant tissues, which can be beneficial for growth.
Scalability: Temporary immersion bioreactors can be designed in various sizes, making them adaptable for small-scale to large-scale tissue culture operations.
Bioreactors are particularly useful in the mass production of uniform and disease-free plantlets in commercial plant tissue culture operations. They are especially advantageous for species that may be sensitive to contamination or require specific nutrient uptake patterns.
Temporary immersion bioreactors have contributed significantly to the advancement and efficiency of plant tissue culture techniques by providing a controlled environment that promotes rapid and healthy plant growth.