Single Use Bioreactor vs Stainless Steel. The biopharmaceutical industry is continuously evolving to meet the demands of an ever-growing population, with the requirement for quality products and faster production times. Bioreactors are an essential tool for the production of biologics, vaccines, and cell therapies. There are two types of bioreactors: single-use and stainless steel.
Both have their advantages and disadvantages, and selecting the right one for your application can be challenging. In this article, we will compare single-use bioreactors to stainless steel bioreactors to help you make an informed decision.

Single Use Bioreactor vs Stainless Steel: What’s the Difference?
Single-use bioreactors (SUBs) are a newer technology, with disposable plastic bags replacing the traditional stainless steel vessels. They are used for the cultivation of cells and microorganisms for the production of biologics. SUBs are sterile and pre-assembled, making them a convenient and quick solution for bioprocessing.
Stainless steel bioreactors (SSBs) have been around for much longer and are the traditional choice for bioprocessing. They are made of stainless steel, which is durable and can withstand high-pressure steam sterilization. SSBs are available in various sizes, from small-scale research to large-scale industrial production.
Advantages of Single Use Bioreactors
- Cost-Effective: Single-use bioreactors eliminate the need for cleaning and sterilization, saving time and money.
- Reduced Cross-Contamination Risk: As single-use bags are disposable, there is a lower risk of cross-contamination between batches.
- Quick Turnaround Time: Pre-assembled and pre-sterilized bags mean that SUBs can be quickly set up and used, reducing production times.
Advantages of Stainless Steel Bioreactors
- Durability: Stainless steel bioreactors are robust and can last for many years, making them a long-term investment.
- Scalability: SSBs are available in various sizes, making them suitable for both small-scale research and large-scale industrial production.
- Established Technology: SSBs have been used for many years and are a tried-and-tested technology.
Disadvantages of Single Use Bioreactors
- Limited Reusability: Single-use bags cannot be reused, which can be an environmental concern.
- Limited Volume: Single-use bags have a smaller volume capacity than SSBs, making them less suitable for large-scale production.
- Plastic Waste: The disposal of single-use bags can lead to plastic waste.
Disadvantages of Stainless Steel Bioreactors
- High Cost: Stainless steel bioreactors are expensive to purchase and maintain.
- Cleaning and Sterilization: Cleaning and sterilization of SSBs can be time-consuming and expensive.
- Cross-Contamination Risk: There is a higher risk of cross-contamination between batches with SSBs than with SUBs.

Single Use Bioreactor vs Stainless Steel: Which One to Choose?
Bioreactors are essential tools for producing biological products such as vaccines, monoclonal antibodies, and enzymes. There are two main types of bioreactors: single-use bioreactors and stainless steel bioreactors. Both have their advantages and disadvantages, and choosing the right one for your application can be a challenging task. In this article, we will discuss the differences between single-use bioreactors and stainless steel bioreactors and help you make an informed decision.
Single Use Bioreactor vs Stainless Steel
Single-use bioreactors and stainless steel bioreactors differ in many ways, including:
Cost
Single-use bioreactors are less expensive than stainless steel bioreactors in the short term, as they eliminate the need for cleaning and sterilization. However, in the long term, stainless steel bioreactors can be more cost-effective due to their durability and reusability.

Cross-contamination Risk
Single-use bioreactors are designed for one-time use, which significantly reduces the risk of cross-contamination between batches. On the other hand, stainless steel bioreactors require thorough cleaning and sterilization between batches to avoid cross-contamination.
Scalability
Stainless steel bioreactors have a higher volume capacity than single-use bioreactors, making them more suitable for large-scale production. However, multiple single-use bioreactors can be used in parallel to increase production capacity.
Environmental Impact
Single-use bioreactors generate less waste and use less energy than stainless steel bioreactors. However, the disposal of plastic bags can be an environmental concern.
Flexibility
Single-use bioreactors are more flexible than stainless steel bioreactors, as they can be easily modified to suit different applications. Stainless steel bioreactors, on the other hand, are less flexible and require significant modifications to adapt to new applications.

Advantages of Single Use Bioreactors
Single-use bioreactors offer several advantages over stainless steel bioreactors, including:
- Lower cost of ownership
- Reduced risk of cross-contamination
- Faster turnaround times
- Easy to set up and operate
- More flexibility in terms of process design
- Reduced capital investment
Advantages of Stainless Steel Bioreactors
Stainless steel bioreactors also have several advantages over single-use bioreactors, including:
- Higher volume capacity
- Longer lifespan
- More durable and resistant to damage
- Scalable to larger production volumes
- Lower long-term cost of ownership
Conclusion
Single-use bioreactors and stainless steel bioreactors both have their advantages and disadvantages. Choosing the right one for your application depends on your specific needs, budget, and production requirements. Single-use bioreactors are more cost-effective and have a lower risk of cross-contamination, while stainless steel bioreactors are more durable and scalable. Consider all the factors and conduct a thorough analysis to make an informed decision.

What Safety Precautions Should I Take When Cutting Stainless Steel Sheets?
When cutting stainless steel sheet safely, there are several essential precautions to remember. Ensure you are wearing appropriate protective gear, including safety glasses and gloves. Use a sharp blade designed for stainless steel, and secure the sheet firmly before cutting to prevent it from moving. Always take accurate measurements and plan your cuts to minimize mistakes and potential hazards.
FAQs
Are single-use bioreactors more environmentally friendly than stainless steel bioreactors?
It depends on the specific situation. While single-use bioreactors generate less waste and use less energy, the disposal of plastic bags can be an environmental concern. On the other hand, stainless steel bioreactors require more energy and water for cleaning and sterilization, which can have a significant environmental impact.
Can single-use bioreactors be used for large-scale production?
Single-use bioreactors have a smaller volume capacity than stainless steel bioreactors, making them less suitable for large-scale production. However, multiple single-use bioreactors can be used in parallel to increase production capacity.
Are single-use bioreactors as reliable as stainless steel bioreactors?
Single-use bioreactors are a relatively new technology and have not been around as long as stainless steel bioreactors. However, they have been extensively tested and are considered to be just as reliable as stainless steel bioreactors.
Which bioreactor is more cost-effective?
Single-use bioreactors are more cost-effective than stainless steel bioreactors in the short term, as they eliminate the need for cleaning and sterilization. However, in the long term, stainless steel bioreactors can be more cost-effective due to their durability and reusability.
What is the lifespan of a single-use bioreactor?
Single-use bioreactors are designed for one-time use and cannot be reused. They are typically discarded after use, which can lead to plastic waste.
Can single-use bioreactors be used for cell culture?
Yes, single-use bioreactors can be used for cell culture, just like stainless steel bioreactors. However, they may have a smaller volume capacity, making them less suitable for large-scale cell culture.