Disinfection of Biological Aerosols in the Removed Gas During the Fermentation Stage of the Biotechnological Process

• Main Authors: A. V. Komissarov, K. M. Morozov, A. I. Perepelitsa, A. Yu. Ul’yanov, O. A. Volokh, A. K. Nikiforov
• Format: Article
• Language: Russian
• Published: Federal Government Health Institution, Russian Research Anti-Plague Institute “Microbe” 2021-02-01
• Series: Проблемы особо опасных инфекций
• Subjects: biological aerosol; biotechnological processes; the removal or inactivation of microorganisms; methodological approaches and engineering solutions
• Online Access: https://journal.microbe.ru/jour/article/view/1397

The aim of this review is to consider the literature data on methods and engineering solutions for decontamination of gases vented from equipment, containing microorganisms, during the cultivation process. Methodological approaches and engineering solutions for the removal or inactivation of microorganisms contained in a biological aerosol are addressed. A number of examples demonstrate the advantages and disadvantages of biological aerosol decontamination systems used. Presented is the information about modern, non-moisture-absorbing membrane filters, announced by manufacturers as elements that allow for sterilization of air supplied for oxygen saturation of the culture medium in bioreactors and neutralization of the gas removed from them. Discussed in detail are designed by specialists of the Institute “Microbe” system for purification of exhaust gases from the bioreactor, where hydrophobic filters based on sintered mass of nickel powders are the main element. Requirements for the construction of systems for the neutralization of microorganisms in gases drawn off from equipment in which biotechnological processes take place are formulated.