Modular system comprising multiple automated mini-bioreactors for high-throughput screening (HTS) in biotechnology

A device for substantially simultaneously and automatically carrying out a plurality of biological cultures at small volumes and with controlled conditions similar to those which can be obtained with large scale bioreactors, the device comprising:

• at least one plate which comprises a plurality of minibioreactors for culturing in sterile conditions, each minibioreactor being sealed to the environment, to the rest of the minibioreactors and to a common thermostat bath, each minibioreactor including an individual stirring member for providing homogenization of any contents of the minibioreactor, and one or more sterile access points enabling one or more of filling, inoculation, gas exchange, liquid exchange and parameter measurement;
• and
• a support device intended for receiving the at least one plate therein, each of the at least one plates being fitted through the opening of at least one part of said support device, said support device comprising one or more means for controlled heat exchange with the thermostat bath, means for energy transmission to the individual stirring members, means for gas exchange through sterile filters and means for non-invasive monitoring and/or controlling of the culture parameters, said means for gas exchange and said means for monitoring and/or controlling the culture parameters each comprising individual probes and individual connections for each minibioreactor, which can be simultaneously engaged with said sterile access points of the minibioreactor.