Axial dispersion bioreactor (ADBR) for production of microalgae and other microorganisms

A bioreactor system for the cultivation of biological cultures, the system comprising:

• a. a bioreactor vessel (100) for containing a liquid growth medium, comprising a bottom (110) and one or more sidewalls (120);
• b. one or more mixing plates (130), each comprising a plurality of through holes (140), wherein the one or more mixing plates (130) extend up to and are constrained by the one or more sidewalls (120) of the bioreactor vessel (100);
• c. one or more vertical guide rods (150) each configured to fit through one of the plurality of holes (140) in the one or more mixing plates (130);
• and
• d. a mechanism (160) for moving the one or more mixing plates longitudinally or axially within the bioreactor vessel;
• wherein the movement of the one or more mixing plates enables mixing of the liquid growth medium and generation of a hydrodynamic flow pattern.

A method of promoting the growth and production of a biological culture contained in a bioreactor, the method comprising:

• a. providing a bioreactor, the bioreactor comprising:
• i. a bioreactor vessel (100), comprising a bottom (110) and one or more sidewalls (120);
• ii. one or more mixing plates (130), each comprising a plurality of through holes (140), wherein the one or more mixing plates (130) extend up to and are constrained by the one or more sidewalls (120) of the bioreactor vessel (100);
• iii. one or more vertical guide rods (150) each configured to fit through one of the plurality of holes (140) in the at least one mixing plate (130);
• and
• iv. a mechanism (160) for moving the one or more mixing plates longitudinally or axially within the bioreactor vessel;
• b. providing a biological culture, wherein the biological culture is dispersed within a liquid growth medium;
• c. adding the biological culture and liquid growth medium into the bioreactor;
• and
• d. moving the one or more mixing plates longitudinally or axially within the bioreactor vessel via the mechanism;
• wherein the movement of the one or more mixing plates mixes the liquid growth medium and generates a hydrodynamic flow pattern.