Bioreactor carrier, process for producing the carrier and method for using the same

A process for producing a bioreactor carrier, the degree of volumetric swelling of which is controlled within the range of 120 to 3000%, and the specific gravity of which on swelling in water is controlled within the range of 1.02 to 2.12, which comprises:

• blending a water-swellable thermoplastic resin with a resin that is compatible with the water-swellable thermoplastic resin and with an inorganic filler, thereby forming a resultant blend;
• thereafter heat-melting the resultant blend, thereby forming a molten blend;
• extruding the molten blend through an extruder into the form of strand;
• and
• continuously cutting the strand.

A process for producing a bioreactor carrier, the degree of volumetric swelling of which is controlled within the range of 120 to 3000%, and the specific gravity of which on swelling in water is controlled within the range of 1.02 to 2.12, which comprises:

• blending an inorganic filler at the time of producing a water-swellable thermoplastic resin from reactants of said resin, thereby forming a resultant blend;
• blending the resultant blend with a compatible resin with said water-swellable thermoplastic resin, thereby forming a further blend;
• thereafter heat-melting the further blend thus obtained, forming a molten blend;
• extruding the molten blend through an extruder into the form of strand;
• and
• continuously cutting the strand.

A process for producing a bioreactor carrier, the degree of volumetric swelling of which is controlled within the range of 120 to 3000%, and the specific gravity of which on swelling in water is controlled within the range of 1.02 to 2.12, which comprises:

• blending an inorganic filler at the time of producing a water-swellable thermoplastic resin from reactants of said resin, thereby forming a resultant blend;
• blending the resultant blend with a compatible resin with said water-swellable thermoplastic resin and with an inorganic filler, thereby forming a further blend;
• thereafter heat-melting the further blend thus obtained, thereby forming a molten blend;
• extruding the molten blend through an extruder into the form of strand;
• and
• continuously cutting the strand.