Bioreactors & Cell CultureCell cultureSupplemental record

BIO-SPEC: An open-source bench-top parallel bioreactor system

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Matched by doi · retrieved 2026-07-21

Abstract

The BIO-SPEC is an open-source, cost-effective, and modular bench-top bioreactor system designed for batch, sequencing batch, and chemostat cultivation. Featuring thermoelectric condensers to eliminate the need for a chiller, it ensures stable long-term operation. Controlled by a Raspberry Pi, the BIO-SPEC offers flexibility in headplate design, gas supply, and feeding strategies, making it a versatile alternative to high-cost commercial systems. This paper details the design, construction, and validation of the BIO-SPEC system, demonstrating its potential to advance microbiology and bioprocessing research through accessible and reliable hardware at a fraction of the cost of commercial systems.

Bibliographic details

Published
2025-07-25
Journal/source
HardwareX
Publisher
Elsevier BV
DOI
10.1016/j.ohx.2025.e00670
Type
journal-article
Language
en
Volume / issue
23
Pages
e00670
ISSN
2468-0672

Access and metrics

Open access
Yes
OA status
gold
License
cc-by
Version
publishedVersion
Cited by
1
References
13
Retracted
No

Authors and affiliations

  1. Laurens ParretKU Leuven
  2. Kenneth SimoensKU Leuven
  3. Jo De VriezeGhent University · Centre for Advanced Process Technology for Urban Resource Recovery
  4. Ilse SmetsCorresponding authorKU Leuven

Topics and keywords

Viral Infectious Diseases and Gene Expression in InsectsMicrobial Metabolic Engineering and Bioproduction3D Printing in Biomedical ResearchSpec#BioreactorOpen sourceComputer scienceOperating systemEmbedded systemChemistryProgramming languageOrganic chemistrySoftware

Funding

  • KU Leuven · C24/18/043
  • Fonds Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek · FWO-G032321N
  • Fonds Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek · FWO-1191022N