Concept for recycling a small-scale plastic-based bioreactor in a close-loop – Technical approach
Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: To accelerate biotherapeutic development whilst decreasing development time and project cost, small-scale multi-parallel bioreactors have been developed to maximize product yield and quality. These systems feature single-use plastic-based bioreactors for easy connection and fast turnaround. Despite well-known advantages, the perception of plastic and the lack of recycling options are raising concerns in the scientific laboratories’ community. One of the common objections to plastic circularity in life-science is the perceived “downcycling” effect of mechanical recycling. Therefore, the aim of this work was to establish the technical feasibility of a close-loop recycling concept for the main construction material of the small-scale bioreactor. Application tests (cell compatibility and cell culture) were performed and supported by quantitative physical and mechanical tests (tensile, melt flow index, light transmission). Results show that mechanically recycled polycarbonate could be re-used in the same application. A comparative life cycle assessment (LCA), based on a theoretical framework, showed with different scenarios that recycling would have a positive impact on Climate – Carbon – total within the boundaries. Even if the technical feasibility of such a concept is demonstrated through this study, several challenges remain for such a closed-loop recycling concept to be implemented at a commercial scale.
Source: Journal of Cleaner Production
Authors: Magali Barbaroux, Alena Rosskamp, Jannik Dippel, Alison Rees-Manley, Bernd Garska, Roberta Tosato
Institution: Covestro (Germany)
Language: English
Subfield: Polymers and Plastics
Field: Materials Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $4,260
OpenAlex ID: W4401732240