Product Overview
The MICROIPOWER VP is a laboratory-scale glass parallel bioreactor system designed for microbial and bacterial fermentation as well as animal and insect cell culture. Based on the proven design of MICROIPOWER07 but enhanced with distributed control technology, it delivers industrial-grade precision in a compact, user-friendly platform. The system enables researchers to operate multiple bioreactors simultaneously through a unified interface, significantly improving research efficiency and process development capabilities.
Key Features
Integrated glass bioreactor design with built-in industrial touch screen HMI
Distributed control architecture for managing up to 8 bioreactors per system
Peltier-based temperature control module with wide range: 4°C to 80°C (±0.2°C)
High precision peristaltic pumps (up to 6 per controller): reversible and speed-variable operation
Real-time video monitoring with remote viewing and scheduled image capture capabilities
Modular impeller system: three-blade, six-blade, eight-blade, and defoaming impellers
Available in standard working volumes: 1 L, 2 L, 3 L, and 5 L
Rich collection of adapter accessories for compatibility with various controllers, motors, and other components
Integrated system-level control for third-party PAT devices (Process Analytical Technology)
The transparent borosilicate glass vessel allows real-time visual monitoring of microbial or cell growth without additional optical instrumentation, making it ideal for research in biopharmaceuticals, synthetic biology, and industrial biotechnology.
Design Philosophy
The MICROIPOWER VP bridges the gap between academic research and industrial production. Traditional lab-scale bioreactors often suffer from poor parameter control, low oxygen transfer rates, and batch-to-batch variability—barriers that delay scale-up.
This system solves these challenges by combining:
The optical clarity and chemical inertness of glass
The robust control architecture of industrial bioprocessing
Distributed control technology for parallel operation
Available in standard working volumes of 1 L, 2 L, 3 L, and 5 L, with custom sizes available, the MICROIPOWER VP supports everything from strain screening to pre-GMP process validation. Its integrated design allows for scalable expansion, meeting the needs of both small research labs and large biotechnology facilities.
Core Technical Innovations
1. Integrated System Design
The MICROIPOWER VP introduces a revolutionary integrated system design that allows users to:
Operate up to 8 bioreactors simultaneously from a single on-device interface
Access and manage experiments locally through the built-in industrial touch screen
Ensure consistent performance across all units through standardized control algorithms
Perform batch comparisons and optimization using multi-batch data analysis tools
Simplify laboratory layout with a compact footprint suitable for benchtop use
This design is particularly suitable for high-throughput screening, process development, and validation studies where consistency and scalability are critical. The integrated touch screen provides direct, on-unit operation, eliminating the need for external PC connectivity while maintaining full control over all system parameters.
2. Peltier Temperature Control Module
A key innovation in the MICROIPOWER VP is its Peltier-based thermoelectric temperature control module, which:
Provides precise temperature control: 4°C to 80°C (±0.2°C)
Eliminates the need for external cooling water supply
Reduces energy consumption compared to traditional water jacket systems
Accelerates sterilization cycles by minimizing thermal inertia
Maintains stable temperature conditions even during rapid changes in environmental conditions
This module is ideal for applications requiring precise temperature regulation, such as recombinant protein expression, vaccine production, and metabolic flux analysis. Its operation is based on the Peltier effect, where electrical energy is converted directly into heat transfer, enabling rapid and accurate temperature adjustments.
3. High Precision Peristaltic Pump System
Each controller in the MICROIPOWER VP system supports up to 6 high precision peristaltic pumps, which are designed for:
Reversible and speed-variable operation (0-100% duty cycle)
Precise addition of glucose, base, feed media, and antifoam agents
Automated feeding strategies for consistent process reproduction
Minimal shear stress on sensitive microorganisms and cells
Low maintenance requirements due to its simple design
These pumps are essential for maintaining the precise nutrient supply required for high-yield microbial fermentation and cell culture. They are particularly well-suited for applications involving shear-sensitive organisms, where consistent, low-shear flow is critical for cell viability and productivity.
4. Video Monitoring & Remote Access
The MICROIPOWER VP includes advanced video monitoring capabilities:
Real-time remote viewing of bioreactor vessel images
Scheduled image capture for documentation and process monitoring
Desktop and mobile remote access for managing experimental processes and data
Integration with process control parameters for correlated observations
High-resolution imaging for detailed observation of culture conditions
This feature is particularly useful for long-term experiments and when working in environments with limited physical access to the laboratory. It allows researchers to monitor culture development, detect potential issues early, and make necessary adjustments without being physically present in the lab.
5. Gas Flow Control System
The system's gas flow control is managed by a mass flow controller (MFC) that:
Supports precise gas flow control: 0.3-2.0 vvm (volumetric gas velocity per minute)
Allows both individual control and continuous blending of gas flows
Integrates with sterile filtration systems to prevent contamination
Optimizes gas-liquid interfacial area for efficient oxygen transfer
Minimizes bubble size to reduce shear stress on sensitive organisms
This advanced gas control system ensures optimal aeration conditions for various types of cultures, from microbial fermentation to high-density cell cultures. It is particularly valuable for applications where oxygen transfer efficiency (kLa) is critical, such as high-cell-density microbial cultures and shear-sensitive animal cell cultures.
6. HMI Touchscreen Interface
The system's human-machine interface (HMI) is a 10-inch industrial touch screen that:
** displays and allows adjustment of critical process parameters** (temperature, pH, DO, agitation speed, etc.)
Provides real-time monitoring of temperature, pH, and dissolved oxygen
Supports quick access to standard operating procedures (SOPs)
Enables easy setup and modification of experimental protocols
Offers data visualization tools for immediate process assessment
The industrial-grade HMI is designed for laboratory environments, offering resistance to dust, moisture, and other contaminants. Its intuitive interface reduces the learning curve for new users while providing advanced control features for experienced researchers.
7. Modular Impeller System
The MICROIPOWER VP offers a range of impellers optimized for different culture types:
Three-blade impeller: Ideal for general mixing and oxygen transfer
Six-blade impeller: Provides low shear mixing for sensitive organisms
Eight-blade impeller: Optimized for high shear mixing applications
Defoaming impeller: Effective for controlling foam without disrupting culture conditions
Impeller selection can be tailored to the specific requirements of the culture, from microbial fermentation to high-density cell cultures. The six-blade design is particularly recommended for shear-sensitive applications such as adherent cell cultures on microcarriers, where low shear mixing (≤60 rpm) is critical for maintaining cell viability.
8. Baffle Assembly
Optional baffle accessories are available to:
Improve mixing efficiency in the vessel
Enhance gas-liquid and liquid-liquid mass transfer rates
Reduce dead zones and improve culture homogeneity
Increase oxygen transfer efficiency (kLa) by 30-40%
Minimize wall effects on culture conditions
Baffles are particularly useful for cultures with high viscosity or when using microcarriers for attached cell cultures. They work in conjunction with the impeller system to optimize flow patterns within the vessel, ensuring uniform distribution of nutrients, oxygen, and cells.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter |
Specification |
| Vessel Material |
High-borosilicate glass (Ra≤0.4μm polished inner surface) |
| Working Volumes |
1 L, 2 L, 3 L, 5 L (SIP capable: 121℃, 15-30 min) |
| Aspect Ratio (H:D) |
1:1.6 (standard), custom ratios available |
| Agitation System |
Top-mounted impeller, 50-1000 rpm (±1 rpm accuracy), AC servo motor |
| Temperature Control |
4°C to 80°C, ±0.2°C, Peltier thermoelectric module |
| pH Control |
0-14, ±0.01, with automatic base/CO₂ dosing |
| Dissolved Oxygen (DO) |
0-200%, ±1%, with O₂/N₂/Air blending |
| Aeration System |
Deep sparging, 0.3-2.0 vvm (mass flow controller) |
| Gas Filtration |
0.2 μm PTFE filters (inlet: 37 mm; exhaust: 50 mm) |
| Feeding System |
4 impeller controller per group, up to 6 high precision peristaltic pumps per controller |
|
Reversible and speed-variable operation (0-100% duty cycle) |
| Control System |
Distributed architecture, supports up to 8 bioreactors per system |
|
Standard communication protocols for integration with third-party PAT devices |
|
Single-system control with no external PC required |
| Software Features |
SCADA with data logging, audit trail, electronic signature |
|
Multi-batch data viewing and comparison |
|
Auto-run of golden batches |
|
Integrated DoE (Design of Experiments) |
|
Support for third-party DoE data import |
|
Multi-level user permission management |
|
Standard API for custom program development |
|
Compatibility with Python for data analysis |
| Remote Access |
Desktop and mobile device support |
|
Real-time monitoring and control |
|
Scheduled image capture and documentation |
| Compliance |
GMP (2026) |
|
FDA 21 CFR Part 11 |
|
Audit trail functionality |
Why Choose MICROIPOWER VP?
Integrated operation efficiency: Run up to 8 experiments simultaneously with consistent conditions from a single on-device interface
Scalability: Expand from 4 to 8 bioreactors per system through cluster expansion
Precision control: Industrial-grade accuracy in a lab-friendly format
Flexibility: Support for both microbial fermentation and animal/insect cell culture
User-friendly design: 10-inch industrial touch screen provides direct, on-unit operation
Data-rich environment: Comprehensive data logging and analysis tools
Compliance ready: Aligned with current GMP and FDA regulations for regulated environments
Cost-effective: All-in-one design eliminates the need for external PC connectivity
Applications & Scientific Value
1. Microbial Fermentation
The MICROIPOWER VP is designed for precise control of microbial fermentation processes, enabling researchers to optimize growth conditions and maximize yield for a wide range of applications.
Case Studies:
Lactobacillus casei fermentation optimization:
Achieve consistent lactic acid production through real-time pH control (±0.01 accuracy)
Optimize carbon source utilization with high-precision peristaltic pumps
Scale from laboratory to industrial production with confidence
Aspergillus oryzae fermentation process development:
Maximize enzyme production (e.g., proteases, amylases)
Optimize growth conditions using DoE (Design of Experiments)
Implement automated feeding strategies for consistent performance
Escherichia coli high-density fermentation:
Reach high optical densities (OD600 up to 120)
Maintain consistent dissolved oxygen levels (>30%)
Integrate withPAT tools for advanced monitoring
2. Cell Culture
The MICROIPOWER VP is also highly suitable for animal and insect cell culture, including suspension and adherent cell lines.
Case Studies:
Insect cell culture (SF9,HSV-1):
Support high-cell-density insect cell cultures
Implement precise temperature control for optimal protein expression
Integrate withPAT tools for advanced monitoring
Mammalian cell culture (293T,CHO-K1):
Achieve high-cell-density suspension cultures
Maintain consistent pH and dissolved oxygen levels
Implement automated feeding strategies for consistent performance
Vero cell high-density suspension culture:
Reach high cell density (up to 1.5×10⁷ cells/mL)
Support vaccine production processes
Implement precise temperature control for optimal protein expression
Adherent cell culture on microcarriers:
Support high-density adherent cell cultures (up to 10⁷ cells/mL)
Implement low-shear mixing conditions (≤60 rpm)
Integrate withPAT tools for advanced monitoring
High-density suspension culture (293T,CHO-K1):
Achieve high-cell(up to 10⁹ cells/mL)
Support recombinant protein production
Implement precise temperature control for optimal protein expression
Conclusion
The MICROIPOWER VP represents a significant advancement in parallel bioreactor technology, combining the precision and control of industrial systems with the convenience and accessibility of laboratory instruments. Its integrated design, with a built-in industrial touch screen, simplifies operation while maintaining full control over critical parameters. The system's ability to manage up to 8 bioreactors simultaneously makes it an ideal choice for high-throughput research and process development.
For users who need to perform parallel experiments without the complexity of external PC connectivity, the MICROIPOWER VP provides a robust, user-friendly solution. Its precision control capabilities, including Peltier-based temperature regulation, high-precision peristaltic pumps, and advanced gas flow control, ensure consistent performance across all units. And with its compliance with GMP and FDA 21 CFR Part 11 standards, the system is ready for use in regulated environments.
